Yankees pitcher Bryan Mitchell hit in face by line drive

New York Yankees rookie pitcher Bryan Mitchell was struck in the face by a line drive and sustained a small nasal fracture in the second inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday night in New York.

Mitchell, who was making his 10th appearance and second start this season, could not get out of the way when Twins shortstop Eduardo Nunez drove a ball back toward the mound. The ball caromed off Mitchell’s head, appearing to strike him above the right eye, and went into center field for a hit.

Mitchell, who was making the start in place of CC Sabathia to give the veteran left-hander an extra day’s rest, fell to the ground but was able to get to his knees as Yankees trainers arrived to give him medical attention.

The 24-year-old right-hander, 6 feet 2 and 200 pounds, was helped off the field with a towel covering his bloody face, although he walked under his own power.

The Yankees told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com that doctors at New York-Presbyterian Hospital found a small nasal fracture. Mitchell was treated and released. He reportedly will continue to be evaluated for concussion symptoms.

Mitchell went into the game with a record of 0-1 and an earned-run average of 3.72. The Yankees won the game, 8-7, in the 10th inning.