July 23, 2016
Gene J. Puskar/AP
Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp is hit in the helmet by a pitch from Pittsburgh Pirates starter Tyler Glasnow during the third inning.
With runners on the corners and one out in the top of the third inning of Saturday's game between the Phillies and Pirates, a scary situation for Pittsburgh fans -- Cameron Rupp was at the plate looking to break a 2-2 tie -- suddenly became a terrifying one for every fan watching the game, no matter which side of the state you call home.
The first pitch of the at-bat from Pirates rookie Tyler Glasnow ran up and in on Rupp, who was unable to get out of the way and took the 91-mph fastball to the head, apparently in left ear flap.
It doesn't appear that Rupp, who walked off under his own power but still exited the game, was ever unconscious. And, according to Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer, he was evaluated by team medical staff and wasn't showing any signs of a concussion.
Cameron Rupp was evaluated for a concussion, but did not show symptoms.
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) July 23, 2016
If that's the case, it appears the Phillies catcher was extremely lucky.
This comes less than 24 hours after third baseman Maikel Franco, who remains day-to-day after not playing on Saturday, left the series opener after being hit in the wrist by starter Gerrit Cole.
Furthermore, an injury to Rupp could throw a wrench in the Phillies' plans ahead of next week's trade deadline. One candidate to be dealt is Carlos Ruiz, who filled in for Rupp after he left the game on Saturday. Not having Rupp on an everyday basis could make GM Matt Klentak more hesitant to deal the lifelong Phillie, but the initial prognosis suggests that won't be an issue.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @matt_mullin
