Slaught’s Nose, Cheekbone Broken by Pitch

Don Slaught of Texas suffered a broken nose and a broken bone in his cheek Saturday when he was hit in the face by a pitch from Boston’s Dennis (Oil Can) Boyd in the fourth inning of the Rangers-Red Sox game.

Slaught was bleeding but conscious as he was taken to the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary for treatment and X-rays. Ranger spokesman John Blake said: “There is no apparent vision trouble. However, there is considerable swelling.”

Slaught was released from the hospital and permitted to return to his hotel. Blake said that if any surgery is necessary, it would be performed in Texas as soon as the swelling subsides.

Slaught wears a batting helmet that does not have an ear-flap.