Torrealba hit in mask with foul tip, exits game

BALTIMORE -- Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba left Sunday afternoon's game against the Orioles after being hit hard on the front of the mask by a foul ball, and the club is watching him before deciding when to return him to action.

After the Orioles' Nick Markakis fouled Edgmer Escalona's 94-mph fastball into the upper bars of his mask, Torrealba became woozy. Manager Walt Weiss and head athletic trainer Keith Dugger tended to Torrealba on the field. Torrealba was able to continue and handle Markakis' strikeout for the third out, but Charlie Culberson batted for Torrealba in the ninth.

The Rockies already are trying to usher Wilin Rosario through pain in both hamstrings, but Weiss said they are going to use every effort to make sure Torrealba is fine before playing him again.

"He was a little wobbly, so I didn't want him to have to go up there and take his at-bat," Weiss said. "We'll determine where we're going after that."

Although the ball hit at the forehead portion of the mask, Torrealba had pain, swelling and discoloration on the left side of his face because of how the impact drove the mask into his head.

MLB has a seven-day disabled list for concussions and other head trauma in hopes of avoiding repeat injuries. MLB and the MLB Players Association have established baseline testing for all players and umpires as part of the evaluation effort. Torrealba said he doesn't think he needs the time off, and he passed initial tests. There will be a follow-up Monday, and the decision rests with the Rockies.

"I got smoked, but I'm fine," Torrealba said.