Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: VIDEO: Watch I'll Have Another Win the Preakness Stakes

Chicago Cubs Pitcher Carlos Zambrano Hit In Face By Line Drive

The Chicago Cubs veteran right hander took a line drive off the face on Friday, but appears to be okay.

Nov 19, 2011 - The Chicago Cubs got some surprising news on Friday night when word came out Venezuela that pitcher Carlos Zambrano was hit by a line drive during a winter league game:

Carlos_zambrano_liner_medium

Click for animation.

Zambrano received 18 stitches on his chin, but hopes to return to winter ball action within the month. After catching the liner with his chin, Big Z alertly grabbed the ball an threw to first for the out.

The Cubs pitcher finished the season on suspension from the team after he was ejected from a game against the Atlanta Braves on August 12, cleaning out his locker and reportedly telling Cubs personnel he was retiring.

The Cubs are weighing their options with Zambrano, uncertain whether to trade him -- if they can -- or try to see if he can have a comeback season and produce some value for the Cubs in 2012.

Zambrano will be owed $18M in 2012 and will be 31 in June. In 2011, Zambrano started in only 24 games, sporting a near-career-worst 4.82 ERA and 4.59 FIP.

For more updates on the MLB off-season, check out Baseball Nation or stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more updates on all Chicago sports.

Do you like this post?

149 updates with 0 comments

Like to see major updates on this story in Facebook.

CHICAGO: Tom Ricketts, owner and Chariman of the Chicago Cubs, greets fans before the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Defeat Of Joe Ricketts: The Ricketts Plan To End Spending At Wrigley Field For Good

May 19, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn (32) is congratulated by left fielder Dayan Viciedo (24) for hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.  Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

White Sox Shutout Cubs To Complete Sweep

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 19: (L-R) Sarah Wood, Charlie Wood, Katie Wood, Kerry Wood and Justin Wood at Kerry Wood's formal retirement anouncement before a a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox on May 19, 2012 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

Kerry Wood Retires: Iconic Pitcher Discusses Future With Organization