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Indians Carrasco hit in face with line drive
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CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco is being treated at a hospital for a bruised jaw after he was struck in the face by a line drive hit by Chicago’s Melky Cabrera.

Carrasco was carted off the field Tuesday night after he was flattened by the first-inning liner that appeared to glance off his glove and right hand before smacking him on the right side of the face. The right-hander crumpled to the ground in front of the mound with his legs spread wide as manager Terry Francona and a trainer quickly raced out to check on him.

With his concerned teammates gathered around him, Carrasco stayed on the ground for several minutes. Cabrera, holding his batting helmet, came out to the side of the mound to check on Carrasco as well and White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton dropped to one knee at second base in prayer.

Carrasco was helped to his feet by two Indians trainers before walking slowly to the cart holding the left side of his face. As he was driven off, he was given a warm ovation by Cleveland fans following the scary moment.

The Indians said Carrasco is not showing any signs or symptoms of a concussion or head injury. He was taken to Lutheran Hospital for evaluation.

Zach McAllister replaced Carrasco, who signed a four-year, $22 million contract last week. He was one of the AL’s best pitchers in the second half last season and the Indians rewarded the 28-year-old him with a long-term deal.

Carrasco’s injury is another early season blow to the Indians. On Sunday, catcher Yan Gomes was placed on the disabled list with a sprained knee and could miss two months. Also, All-Star left fielder Michael Brantley missed his fifth straight game with a bad back.

Carrasco had a breakout season in 2014, going 8-7 with a 2.55 ERA in 40 games. He started the season in Cleveland’s rotation but struggled and was moved to the bullpen. The Indians decided to return him to the rotation late in the year, and he went 5-3 with a 1.30 ERA in his final 10 starts.

Carrasco revealed after signing his new contract that he underwent a heart procedure at the Cleveland Clinic following last season. He experienced heart palpitations and the surgery was done to increase blood flow.