Padres Pitcher Cole Paplham Gets Hit in the Face by 102 MPH Line Drive During Training Game Against Dodgers

Mar. 15, 2025

San Diego Padres pitcher Cole Paplham being checked out during the eighth inning of a spring training game on Feb. 23, 2025.Photo:AP Photo/Ashley Landis

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

San Diego Padres pitcher Cole Paplham took a big hit on the field.

The clip appeared to capture the ball hitting the side of Paplham’s face on his cheek and jaw area.

Upon impact, Paplham spun around before covering his face with his hands. According toMLB.com, a teammate and staff member ran to his assistance and placed a towel on his face.

The player then walked to a golf cart while covering his head with the towel before being taken off the field.

According to Statcast, per MLB.com, Bracho’s liner was clocked at 102.4 mph.

Cole Paplham.Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty

Jennifer Stewart/MLB Photos via Getty

The outlet adds that Padres manager Mike Shildt confirmed Paplham had remained conscious and alert following the incident and was evaluated on the field for several minutes.

“Our prayers are with him,” Shildt said. “He was conscious, seemed alert, knew where he was. But clearly a scary thing. … He was clearly in some pain, and obviously when something like that happens, a little bit rattled.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

source: people.com