San Diego Padres backstop Freddy Fermin was forced to exit Wednesday evening’s matchup against the Seattle Mariners during the third frame after being struck by his second foul ball of the contest.
The catcher had already taken one foul ball off his protective mask in the second frame before Brendan Donovan’s swing on a 1-1 offering from Randy Vasquez sent another ball directly into Fermin’s face, striking him between the eyes.
The impact dropped Fermin to his knees on the field. Following consultation with the medical staff and manager Craig Stammen, who came out to check on the injured player, Fermin walked off under his own power.
Luis Campusano stepped in to take over catching duties, replacing Fermin who had not yet come to the plate through the first two frames. This season, Fermin has struggled at the dish, posting a .161 batting average with zero home runs and just two runs batted in across 14 appearances.
When Fermin departed the contest, the Mariners held a 2-0 advantage over San Diego.
