Rays' Minor-Leaguer Tyler Zombro Progressing After Being Hit in Head by Line Drive

Tampa Bay Rays minor leaguer Tyler Zombro is "still progressing in the right direction," according to Rays manager Kevin Cash.

Cash told reporters Zombro is able to get out of his hospital bed and walk around with some assistance.

The right-handed reliever was pitching for the Triple-A Durham Bulls on Thursday night when he took a line drive to the head. The Bulls and Norfolk Tides called the game in the eighth inning due to his injury.

The Rays said Friday that Zombro remained at Duke University Hospital and that he was in stable condition.

Rays reliever Ryan Sherriff called the moment Zombro was injured "one of the most traumatic things I've ever experienced in my life."

"Very chilling," he said. "I spent my offseason with Zombro. We worked out together. And it really hit home to me after everything that I saw. I wish him the best. I wish his family the best. Just hope he is doing great."

Zombro, who attended George Mason, signed with the Rays in June 2017. He quickly rose up through the ranks and reached the Triple-A level in 2019.

Through nine appearances for the Bulls in 2021, he has a 1-1 record, nine strikeouts and a 3.18 ERA over 11.1 innings.