New York Yankees minor-league manager Rachel Balkovec was hit in the face by a batted ball during a team drill earlier this week, and while she is expected to be okay, she will miss the next week or so of camp to rest at home.
The Yankees announced the injury on Wednesday night, saying in a team statement that Balkovec did not suffer a concussion, but is experiencing swelling near one of her eyes and doctors advised her to rest for five to seven days.
The injury occurred during a soft-toss drill, when a batter mishit a ball that struck her in the face, and Balkovec released a statement Wednesday saying she feels “fortunate” the incident wasn’t worse.
"All things considered, I feel very fortunate," Balkovec said. "The doctors have asked me to be smart about limiting my activities over the next several days, and I plan on following their guidance. As much as I already miss being around the players and staff, I do not anticipate this affecting my role and responsibilities for the regular season."
Balkovec, 34, was named manager of the Low-A Tampa Tarpons over the winter, making her the first woman to assume the position of manager in affiliated baseball.
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