Marlins news: Giancarlo Stanton hit in face by pitch, carted off the field

Miami Marlins star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was at the plate in the fifth inning against starting pitcher Mike Fiers and the Milwaukee Brewers, with the Brew Crew up 4-0. On an 0-1 pitch, Fiers lost control of an 88 mph fastball and the ball flew out towards Stanton's face. Stanton was at the start of his swing and bailed out as the pitch approached, but it was too late. The 88 mph fastball hit Stanton right in the cheek as he was turning on his swing, and he immediately went down to the ground.

Stanton appeared sluggish on the ground and was immediately tended to by the Marlins' training staff. The team had his surrounded and awaited EMS services from the stadium to drive the cart over to the site of the injury. It appeared initially that Stanton was hit in the maxilla or cheekbone, even though he tried to throw his arm up to defend himself late in the swing. The crew and trainers were watching over him for three to four minutes before the arrival of the cart, and Stanton was carted away on a stretcher and sent to the back. The presumption is that Stanton was taken away for additional testing, including X-rays of the affected area.

We will have more information on this breaking news as it arrives. Stay tuned to Fish Stripes for all of your Stanton injury updates.