A frightening scene unfolded Thursday night when Durham Bulls (the Rays’ Triple-A affiliate) pitcher Tyler Zombro was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Norfolk Tides catcher Brett Cumberland. Zombro immediately went down, convulsing as trainers and medical staff tended to him on the mound.
Cumberland was awarded an infield single on the play but looked sick to his stomach, holding his head in his hands as silence fell over Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Players from both teams were so shook up in the aftermath of Zombro’s devastating injury that the game was eventually suspended, ending with Norfolk leading 12-4 in the top of the eighth inning. Footage of the injury existed for a brief time on social media but has since been deleted due to its graphic nature.
A George Mason alum, Zombro joined Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and has been steadily climbing up the minor-league ranks ever since. The 26-year-old was named the Rays’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2019 and was invited to big-league camp this spring, but didn’t appear in any Grapefruit League games.
After leaving the field on a stretcher, Zombro was transported to a local hospital. The minor-league community was heartbroken by news of the right-hander’s injury, offering their thoughts and prayers to Zombro and his family.
Judging by the emotional reaction from fans and players, this is about as serious an on-field injury as you’ll ever encounter. There’s not much more to say other than we hope Zombro is able to make a full and speedy recovery.
UPDATE: Per the Rays, Zombro is in stable condition at Duke University Hospital, where he will continue to be observed and treated.
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