To the objective eye, one of the prime concerns with pitching in baseball (or, indeed, bowling in cricket) is admittedly slim chance that you get back exactly what you have delivered.
With pitching speeds occasionally touching the 170 km/h mark, the prospect of a bat connecting with that and sending it back in your direction has a potentially fatal outcome.
Thankfully, Jordan Zimmerman was considerably luckier than this when pitching for the Detroit Tigers last night.
Taking on the Cleveland Indians, Zimmerman's pitch was met by Jason Kipnis and realised what must be every pitcher's worst nightmare.
Catching Zimmerman on the jaw, he left in great distress on the mound as help quickly arrived. Fortunately, he is reported to be alright - although it is unlikely to be an incident he forgets.
#Tigers' RHP Jordan Zimmerman struck by a 106 mph comebacker off the bat of Jason Kipnis. #DETvsCLE pic.twitter.com/qyDNnfeZMt
— John Silva (@JohnnySilva619) April 11, 2018
Although he did look visibly shook walking from the field.
After a line drive that hit him in the face, Jordan Zimmerman walks off the mound. pic.twitter.com/rD9oA3oMhs
— SportsTime Ohio (@SportsTimeOhio) April 11, 2018
My God. Prayers for Jordan Zimmerman right now..
— Jensen Lewis (@JLEWFifty) April 11, 2018
Jesus Christ, I’m prettt sure I just heard Jordan Zimmerman’s jaw break off that line drive. My god.
— Kyle Feldscher (@Kyle_Feldscher) April 11, 2018
