Aroldis Chapman Update

Feb 15, 2014; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman during team workouts on the practice fields of Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman was undergoing surgery Thursday to repair a broken bone above his left eye, but he has no other serious injuries after being hit in the face by a line drive in a spring training game on Wednesday.

Chapman can resume working out and throwing in 10-14 days and pitch in live action in 4-6 weeks .

Dr. Timothy Kremchek, the Reds medical director said Chapman is a “very lucky guy.”

Kremchek said a metal plate will be inserted in the bone above Chapman’s left eyebrow with perhaps a bone graft as well and will stay there permanently. Chapman has a very mild concussion, but no other brain injury to his left eye, Kremchek said.

“He’s feeling better and he has some pain management. We’re optimistic that he is going to be on the mound.” Reds manager Bryan Price said after meeting with players Thursday morning at the team’s spring training facility. “Obviously we’ll stay in touch. We will make sure as we follow the process as we continue to get familiar with the injury itself. We will let him know how much support he has and that we care about him. Hopefully, we will see him very soon.”

Catcher Bryan Pena, a fellow Cuban and Chapman’s close friend, was one of several Reds players who visited the injured pitcher Wednesday and spoke to him on the phone Thursday morning.

Chapman could be released out of the hospital on Saturday. He’s now at the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix.

All of use at RFB are continuing to pray for Chapman and we are grateful he is going to be alright.