Newman hospitalized after being hit in head

Pirates No. 3 prospect leaves game following first-inning fastball

Kevin Newman's .982 fielding percentage ranks second among Eastern League shortstops with at least 60 total chances. (David Monseur/MiLB.com)

By Chris Tripodi

May 10, 2017

Kevin Newman can't catch a break.Double-A Altoona's shortstop was sent to the hospital after being hit in the head on an 0-2 fastball from Richmond's Sam Coonrod in the first inning of Wednesday's game. Newman missed nearly three weeks at the end of May and beginning of June last season

Kevin Newman can't catch a break.
Double-A Altoona's shortstop was sent to the hospital after being hit in the head on an 0-2 fastball from Richmond's Sam Coonrod in the first inning of Wednesday's game. Newman missed nearly three weeks at the end of May and beginning of June last season after being hit in the cheek with a pitch that fractured his orbital bone while playing with Class A Advanced Bradenton.

According to Altoona manager Michael Ryan, today's injury doesn't seem to be as serious as last year's. Newman avoided a concussion and has been diagnosed with a forehead contusion. He will be evaluated again Thursday.
Tweet from @treywilson757: Altoona manager Michael Ryan says Kevin Newman has a forehead contusion. No concussion. Day to day. Getting another look tomorrow. #Pirates
The Pirates' No. 3 prospect was coming off consecutive two-hit games to raise his season batting line from .250/.327/.350 to .267/.330/.371. A first-round pick in the 2015 Draft (19th overall), Newman posted a .288/.361/.378 line in 61 games with the Curve in 2016 after hitting .366/.428/.494 in 41 games for the Marauders. His .982 fielding percentage with Altoona this season ranks second in the Eastern League among shortstops with at least 60 total chances.

Chris Tripodi is an editor for MiLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @christripodi.