Royals pitcher Seth Lugo exits after line drive to head

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo was forced to leave Wednesday night's game against the Texas Rangers after being struck in the head by a line drive. The incident occurred at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, during the top of the fourth inning.

Lugo was facing Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo with a full count. Nimmo hit a changeup back up the middle at an estimated 106.6 miles per hour, and the ball deflected off the right-hander's forehead. Lugo immediately fell to the ground but was able to get up without assistance. He spoke with teammates and the Royals training staff as he walked off the field under his own power, with a visible lump forming on his forehead.

Nimmo, who reached first base on the play, called time and ran to the mound to check on Lugo. The two were teammates for seven seasons with the New York Mets after being drafted together in 2011. Nimmo was traded to the Rangers this past offseason.

Following the incident, the Kansas City Royals posted an update on social media, stating that Lugo was doing well after exiting the game and would undergo the appropriate medical protocol and testing. He was replaced on the mound by reliever Mason Black.