DENVER — Colorado Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner is slowly recovering from a concussion and fractured cranium. He does not know if he can pitch once more this yr, however he hasn’t dominated it out.
Feltner spoke publicly for the primary time Friday since getting hit in the head by a line drive off the bat of Philadelphia’s Nick Castellanos on Could 13. Feltner spent an evening within the hospital and has lingering concussion signs, in addition to proper ear ache.
“A number of fractures signs, only a headache from the concussion, dizziness, however right this moment there isn’t any ache,” he mentioned whereas sitting within the dwelling dugout at Coors Subject. “I am sleeping properly, and day-to day stuff has change into quite a bit simpler. So the texture is that I am in a extremely great place in comparison with the place it could possibly be.”
Feltner was injured when Castellanos lined an 92.7 mph slider up the center. Feltner turned away, the ball hit him within the again proper portion of his head and he instantly collapsed on the mound.
“I did not actually lose consciousness or something. Everyone acquired on the market fairly fast to examine on me, so simply type of getting my bearings,” he mentioned. “I used to be simply glad I used to be in a position to stroll off. I knew straight away what was occurring.”
Castellanos was visibly shaken as he crouched at first base and expressed regret after the sport. Feltner mentioned he acquired a letter and a small present from Castellanos.
“I felt dangerous for him as a result of I noticed how upset he was, but it surely’s a part of the sport,” Feltner mentioned.
Feltner began balancing workout routines Thursday and faces an extended street to restoration. He cannot sit within the dugout for video games, he can learn and watch TV briefly spurts and he mentioned he’s most comfy outdoors, the place he can concentrate on issues at a distance.
“There is not a set program like a Tommy John program,” Rockies assistant athletic coach Scott Murayama mentioned. “It is take steps to guarantee that these signs resolve make certain the fracture heals, after which slowly beginning again into actions.
“His stability has truly has been superb, however with the concussion and ear damage he can have stability points. So it is retraining the physique to pay attention to the place its at.”
The 26-year-old Feltner is in his third season with Colorado and second yr as a part of the rotation. He’s 2/3 with a 5.86 ERA in eight begins, and hopes he can return this yr.
“I do not wish to rule it out. The will on my finish is there. I am placing my belief within the group, the professionals that know greater than I do in regards to the points. We’re on this course of collectively, however I’ll pitch once more in some unspecified time in the future, I do not know if will probably be this yr.”