Padres Pitcher Taken to ER After Scary Injury, Remains in Concussion Protocol

Jul 23, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; A general view of a San Diego Padres hat and glove in the dugout prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres at loanDepot park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images | Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres right-hander Cole Paplham sustained facial fractures after he was drilled by a line drive in Sunday's Cactus League game, manager Mike Shildt announced.

Read more: Padres Pitcher Drilled by Line Drive in Cactus League Game vs Dodgers

RHP Cole Paplham sustained facial fractures after he was struck by a line drive in yesterday's game, Mike Shildt said. Paplham was taken to the ER and discharged last night. He's still going through concussion protocols but has remained alert and in decent spirits, Shildt said.

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) February 24, 2025

Paplham was taken to the hospital and discharged last night. The right-hander is currently in concussion protocol, and is in decent spirits, per Shildt.

Mike Shildt shared the latest update on pitcher Cole Paplham after he was hit in the face by a line drive comebacker yesterday: pic.twitter.com/LoGqTNFf4d

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 24, 2025

"Good news is he's stable," Shildt told reporters, including 97.3 The Fan. "He stayed alert, and they're working through all the concussion protocols stuff. The pain has subsided a little bit. He's got a road ahead of him, but it looks like he's out of anything that's really, really serious."

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On Sunday, Paplham was attended to for several minutes after the scary hit, but was able to walk without any assistance. He was then carted off the field.

Prayers up for Padres reliever Cole Paplham after he took a nasty hit to the head from a line drive during this Dodgers, Padres Cactus League game 🙏

Just days after Bobby Miller got drilled by a 105.5 MPH ball 😣
pic.twitter.com/NiKflV1CRR

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 23, 2025

Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers was important for San Diego as the team utilized the contest to evaluate a number of top prospects, including Paplham.

In 2024, Paplham was ranked as San Diego's No. 23 prospect. He produced a 4.82 ERA, 11 strikeouts, and 1.50 WHIP across 9.1 innings pitched.

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