Brad Junis, a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, found himself in a frightening situation before a game against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. While jogging in the outfield during batting practice, Junis was struck in the neck by a batted ball, prompting immediate medical attention.
The incident occurred at Great American Ball Park as the Reds were taking swings on the field. Witnesses reported that Junis was struck near the warning track, leading to a 10-15 minute delay as medical personnel tended to him. Eventually, he was taken off the field on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Thankfully, the Brewers provided reassurance, stating that Junis was conscious, alert, and responsive following the accident. However, concerns lingered regarding the possibility of a concussion, and recovery progress remains uncertain.
This unfortunate event comes at a time when Junis was in the process of returning from a right shoulder impingement that had sidelined him earlier in the season. Despite making progress in his throwing regimen, the incident serves as a setback in his recovery journey.
Junis had signed a one-year deal with the Brewers in the offseason worth $7 million, following a successful stint with the Kansas City Royals last season in which he started in 17 games finishing with a 4.42 ERA (5-7) in 112 innings (23 games). With aspirations of contributing to his new team’s success, Junis now faces a period of uncertainty as he navigates the aftermath of this unexpected injury.
As the Brewers await further updates on Junis’ condition, the team, along with fans, remains hopeful for swift and complete recovery as he continues his journey back to full health.