Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds closer, cleared to throw batting practice
In this image provided by Mark Sheldon, Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is taken off the field after being hit by a line drive on March 19, 2014, another frightening incident involving a pitcher being struck by a batted ball. Credit: AP / Mark Sheldon
Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman has been cleared to throw batting practice for the first time since he was hit in the face by a line drive during an exhibition game on March 10.
Chapman sustained fractures of his nose and and a bone above his left eye when hit by the drive off the bat of Kansas City's Salvador Perez.
Reds manager Bryan Price said Friday he wasn't sure exactly when Chapman will throw but said it likely will be during the team's 10-game trip that ends April 27.
"Our concern initially was anything that might come up and bounce and hit him in the face, and if he would be at a higher risk for further injury, and he's been given the clearance on that," Price said. "So he's a full-go in that regard."
Price also said Chapman will go on a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment before rejoining the Reds.
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