Mariners' Soriano suffers concussion, to stay in hospital overnight

SEATTLE -- Mariners reliever Rafael Soriano sustained a concussion and was being held overnight in a hospital for observation after being hit in the head by a line drive from the Angels' Vladimir Guerrero on Tuesday night.

Soriano was struck behind his right ear, team physician Dr. Edward Khalfayan said. Soriano was carted off the field and taken to Harborview Medical Center. Khalfayan said initial reports were reassuring that the injury was not serious and Soriano would be held overnight for additional tests and observation.

Soriano underwent an X-ray and CAT scan when he arrived at the hospital.

"He did not have anything that indicated he had a fracture," Khalfayan said. Neurosurgeons were monitoring Soriano at the hospital.

With one out in the eighth inning, Guerrero lined a first-pitch fastball off the right side of Soriano's head and the ball deflected almost to the Angels' dugout along the third-base line. Soriano tried to protect himself but could not get his glove up in time.

Rafael Soriano reacts after taking a line drive off the head. (AP)

Soriano was on the ground for several minutes as the Mariners' training staff and medics immediately rushed to the mound.

Dr. Khalfayan said Soriano never lost consciousness, and had full sensation in all of his extremities. Soriano had swelling at the back of his head and complained of a severe headache but knew where he was and what had happened.

The Mariners' players on the field surrounded the right-hander as he was placed on a stretcher and taken off the field on a cart. Manager Mike Hargrove and pitching coach Rafael Chaves left almost immediately after the game to go to the hospital. Neither were available for comment.

"As soon as I turned and saw him on the ground all I could do was start to pray for him and his family that he will be OK," Guerrero said in a statement from the Angels.

Right-hander Sean Green came in to replace Soriano.

The 26-year-old native of the Dominican Republic was making his 53rd appearance, taking over for starter Jarrod Washburn, who pitched seven innings. Soriano is 1-2 with a 2.11 ERA.