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Tigers' Reliever Alburquerque Could Be Out For A While

BALTIMORE (AP) - Detroit Tigers reliever Al Alburquerque was struck in the head by a line drive during batting practice and carted off the field at Camden Yards.

The severity of the injury was not immediately known.

Alburquerque was walking in left field Friday while the Baltimore Orioles in the cage. Robert Andino hit a ball that struck the pitcher, who immediately dropped to the grass, kicking his legs in pain.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland spoke post game about Alburquerque.

"Not good, he's in the hospital ... he was hit in the temple and there was some bleeding there, but that's to be expected, they are just keeping him there ... they think he's fine, but they want to make sure because there was some internal bleeding and they wanted to make sure they kept him overnight. He won't be available for a while," said Leyland.

Activity on the field promptly ceased as players from both teams surrounded Alburquerque.

After being attended to by trainers from both teams, Alburquerque was taken off the field.

Alburquerque has been a key contributor to the first-place Tigers. He is 5-0 with a 1.16 ERA in his last 22 appearances.

 (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

 

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