Montgomery hit by ball in BP
Rookie struck by batted ball near right ear
NEW YORK -- Yankees rookie left-hander Jordan Montgomery had to be helped off the field prior to Saturday's game against the Red Sox after he was struck in the head by a batting practice line drive.
Montgomery was evaluated by Yankees medical personnel and went through the team's concussion protocol. He was in uniform for Saturday's 10-5 loss to the Red Sox. The Yankees said that he remains scheduled to pitch in Sunday's 8:05 p.m. ET series finale.
"His ear was bleeding," manager Joe Girardi said. "He went through tests with the doctor. We expect him to make his start tomorrow."
The 24-year-old rookie was signing autographs down the right-field line when he was hit on the back right side of his head. According to a person who witnessed the incident, Montgomery appeared to be "woozy" but remained conscious. He walked off the field with assistance.
"I just got a bruise. I'll be all right. It's just my ear," Montgomery said. "I could've walked off by myself."
According to the YES Network's Meredith Marakovits, the liner that struck Montgomery was hit by Sandy Leon of the Red Sox.
Montgomery was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday to start Sunday's game in place of left-hander Carsten Sabathia, who sustained a right knee injury during his last start at Toronto. In 21 starts for New York, Montgomery has gone 7-6 with a 4.05 ERA.