Carrasco, Indians take it on the chin vs. White Sox

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco was struck in the face by a line drive in the first inning and Chicago’s Jose Quintana pitched six strong innings, leading the White Sox to a 4-1 win on Tuesday night.

Carrasco was carted off the field after Melky Cabrera — the second hitter — rocketed a shot up the middle that slammed the right side of the right-hander’s face. Carrasco (1-1) was lucky to get a piece of his glove on the ball before it smashed him.

The Indians said X-rays of Carrasco, the club’s No. 2 starter, were negative and he was being treated at Lutheran Hospital for a bruised jaw.

The White Sox scored two runs in the first after Carrasco was injured and won their third straight. Chicago is just 10-24 against Cleveland since 2013.

Quintana (1-0) allowed three hits, struck out six and improved to 4-0 in 10 starts against the Indians, whose left-handed heavy lineup is struggling against left-handers.

David Robertson struck out the side in the ninth for his second save.

Jose Abreu hit his second homer in the fifth for a 4-1 lead, giving Quintana more cushion than he would need.

Cleveland managed just three hits and dropped itsr fourth straight.

Carrasco, making his second start, was flattened by Cabrera’s shot and laid on the ground in front of the mound with his legs spread wide as manager Terry Francona and a trainer raced out to check on him.

With his concerned teammates gathered around him, Carrasco stayed face down for several minutes. Cabrera, holding his batting helmet, came out to the side of the mound to check on Carrasco as well, and White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton dropped to one knee at second base in prayer.

Carrasco was helped to his feet by two Indians trainers before walking slowly to the cart holding the left side of his face. As he was driven off, he was given a warm ovation by Cleveland fans following the scary moment.

Zach McAllister replaced Carrasco, who signed a four-year, $22 million contract last week. He was one of the AL’s best pitchers in the second half last season and the Indians rewarded the 28-year-old him with a long-term deal.

Carrasco’s injury is another early season blow to the Indians. On Sunday, catcher Yan Gomes was placed on the disabled list with a sprained knee and could miss two months. Also, All-Star left fielder Michael Brantley missed his fifth straight game with a bad back.

Carrasco had a breakout season in 2014, going 8-7 with a 2.55 ERA in 40 games. He revealed after signing his new contract that he underwent a heart procedure at the Cleveland Clinic following last season. He experienced heart palpitations and the surgery was done to increase blood flow.

UP NEXT

Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer tries to build off a dazzling season debut at Houston, when he struck out 11 and did not allow a hit in six innings, when the teams meet at 12:10 p.m. today. Bauer is looking to win consecutive starts for the first time in his career.