Bryan Mitchell Injury: Updates on Yankees Pitcher’s Face and Return

The Yankees endured a pretty scary moment on Monday night during the 2nd inning of their game with the Minnesota Twins when starting pitcher Brian Mitchell took an unfortunately placed line drive by the Twins Eduardo Nunez directly to the face.

Mitchell joined the staff so the Yankees would have six starters during this period, but the fact that he left in the second inning could prove taxing for the bullpen.

Mitchell was on his knees for over a minute, then two trainers flanked him as he walked off. Mitchell needed help getting down the dugout steps because the towel was covering his face.

UPDATE: The Yankees announced Mitchell was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital for further evaluation. He has been released from the hospital, but the Yankees’ doctors will continue to monitor for a possible concussion.

Mitchell, 24, started Monday because the Yankees wanted to give their regular starters an extra day’s rest.

Mitchell, a 24-year-old righthander, is 0-1 with a 3.72 ERA in nine games this season. It was not immediately clear where the ball struck the pitcher, who had absolutely no time to react to the hard hit drive.