Junis taken to hospital after being hit by ball in BP

PITTSBURGH -- Brewers pitcher Jakob Junis was struck by a ball during batting practice at PNC Park before Monday’s series opener against the Pirates, and had to be taken by an ambulance to a hospital.

While the Pirates were taking swings on the field, one of the fly balls hit Junis, and he was tended to for 10-15 minutes before being taken off the field on a stretcher.

The Brewers said in a statement: “Brewers pitcher Jakob Junis was hit in the neck by a batted ball during batting practice. He is conscious, alert and responsive. He was sent to the hospital for further evaluation.”

Before the unfortunate accident, Brewers manager Pat Murphy said that Junis, who was on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder impingement, seemed to be “on track” in his throwing progression, though he wasn’t throwing off the mound yet. Junis made his season debut on April 2, when he threw four innings with one run allowed.