Minor-leaguer released from hospital after being hit in head by line drive

In this Feb. 27, 2020, file photo, New York Yankees' Tyler Zombro delivers a pitch during the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Yankees in Tampa, Fla. Zombro was kept overnight at a hospital and remains in stable condition after being struck in the head by a line drive Thursday night, June 3, 2021, a frightening scene that prompted Triple-A Durham to suspend its game. (Frank Franklin II/AP)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor-league pitcher Tyler Zombro was released from the hospital and will transition to outpatient occupational and speech therapy in Durham, North Carolina, after being struck in the head by a line drive last week.

Zombro, a right-hander in the Tampa Bay Rays organization pitching with triple-A Durham, was hit by a sharp liner from Norfolk's Brett Cumberland in the eighth inning on June 3. Zombro crumbled to the ground, lay motionless for a moment face down, then began to convulse uncontrollably as teammates and a trainer rushed toward the mound.

The Rays announced the news during Wednesday night's home game against Washington.

"He and his family will remain in Durham and continue with his outpatient occupational and speech therapy," the team said in statement. "The Rays extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff caring for Tyler, and continue to be overwhelmed by the support for his recovery."

The 26-year-old Zombro signed as a minor league free agent with Tampa Bay in 2017 after going undrafted out of George Mason. He was appearing in his ninth game this season with the Bulls, entering the night 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA. He has a 2.79 ERA in his minor league career.

The Bulls' game that night was suspended in the eighth inning, and Durham also postponed its June 4 game.

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