In a harrowing moment during a game at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Hunter Bigge was struck in the face by a foul ball while in the dugout, leading to his immediate hospitalization. The incident occurred on June 19, 2025, during the seventh inning of a 4-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman fouled off a pitch from Rays pitcher Connor Seabold, sending a line drive rocketing into the Rays’ dugout at an estimated 105 mph. The ball hit Bigge, a 27-year-old right-hander, on the right side of his face, causing him to collapse.
The scene was alarming for players, staff, and fans alike. Rays players knelt on the field, and a hush fell over the crowd as medical personnel rushed to Bigge’s side. After several tense minutes, the team’s head athletic trainer, Joe Benge, called for a stretcher and medical cart. Bigge, who was on the 15-day injured list with a right lat strain, was stabilized with a neck brace and placed on a backboard. In an encouraging sign, he gave a thumbs-up to the crowd as he was carted off, prompting a standing ovation from spectators. He was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, where he remained overnight for tests.
Rays manager Kevin Cash provided a positive initial update, noting that Bigge remained conscious, coherent, and able to converse with medical staff. The ball struck the side of his face, avoiding his eye, which offered some relief amid the scare. Cash expressed sympathy for Bigge and his wife, saying, “It’s a terrifying moment for everyone, especially for them.” Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino echoed the sentiment, calling dugouts “sitting duck” zones despite protective railings, and wished Bigge a swift recovery. Players from both teams were visibly shaken, with Rays catcher Danny Jansen describing the difficulty of resuming play and Orioles batter Rutschman expressing hope for Bigge’s health.
Bigge, acquired by the Rays from the Chicago Cubs in a trade for All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes in 2024, has a 2.51 ERA across 32 career appearances, including 13 relief outings for Tampa Bay this season. The incident highlighted the dangers of foul balls, even in dugouts, recalling a similar event in 2023 when Milwaukee’s Willy Adames was hospitalized after a foul ball strike. After an eight-minute delay, the game resumed, but the focus remained on Bigge’s condition. The Rays expect to provide further updates on his status, as teammates like starter Drew Rasmussen voiced support, emphasizing Bigge’s character and the team’s hope for his recovery.
