Time To Protect MLB Batters From Being Hit In The Face

Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect Rymer Liriano left Sunday’s game after getting hit in the face by a pitch thrown by Matt West of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was carted off the field on a stretcher and went to a hospital in Arizona. Liriano suffered multiple facial fractures. Is it time to better protect Major League Baseball hitters?

Every year there are a few a batters who are struck in the face which causes them to be out a while. Although it doesn’t occur every game, it is time to give these players protection. When a batter is up to bat the only form of defense he has from a pitch is his helmet. There is nothing covering his face. A face guard such as they use in college softball could be the answer. This attaches to the helmet and shields the face. This may avoid any major injuries. The baseball might just glance off of it and the batter would take his base.

The problem with a face shield is that many Major League Baseball players probably wouldn’t want to wear it. They might believe it affects their ability to see the baseball while hitting. Others may think it looks silly, but it’s a way to guard their face. It would be better than being out of the lineup for days or months.

The other difficulty is that Major League Baseball is slow to change. They don’t make many modifications unless it’s absolutely necessary. The only way they will make adjustments to protect athletes is if something drastic happens. Baseball needs to look into it. They must do something to make sure their athletes stay safe from being hit from a pitch.

How should Major League Baseball protect batters from pitches to the face?