SURPRISE, Ariz. – Rockies reliever Rafael Betancourt was struck in the jaw by a line drive and walked off with a bruise Thursday in Colorado’s 13-2 win over the Kansas City Royals.
The 39-year-old Betancourt was hit in the sixth inning by Brett Eibner’s liner. He was checked by a trainer before leaving the mound, and manager Walt Weiss said Betancourt passed concussion tests.
“We just didn’t see any reason to leave him out there. I think their doctor came over and evaluated him,” Weiss said.
Betancourt said that was the first time he had been hit in the face.
“I’m lucky the ball hit the tip of my glove before it hit my face,” he said. “I was just trying to react. I saw the ball right in my face and threw my glove up. I’m fine.”
Betancourt made his fourth spring appearance for the Rockies. He was their closer in 2012-13 before needing Tommy John surgery, was out of the majors last season and is a non-roster invite this year.
Nolan Arenado hit two homers and drove in five runs.
“I think you’re seeing who Nolan is,” Weiss said. “He’s getting better and better offensively. It’s always been in there. He’s just getting more experience and we’re seeing the results of that.”
Matt McBride also homered for Colorado.
Rockies starter Jordan Lyles pitched four perfect innings. He has an 0.82 ERA after four starts.
“I have a lot of confidence in my changeup, which I haven’t had in previous years in my career,” he said. “It’s another pitch I can lean on. I’m throwing a lot in the game and none of them are getting hit hard, so that’s a good sign.”
Royals starter Jason Vargas was tagged for nine runs and nine hits, including three home runs, in 1 2/3 innings.
“I don’t think getting hit around like that is fun for anybody, regardless if it’s spring or not,” Vargas said. “It’s great it doesn’t count, but obviously there’s some things that need to be ironed out and worked on.”
Kendrys Morales homered for the Royals.
Lyles, who threw 32 strikes in 50 pitches, retired eight Royals on grounders.
“I guess every pitcher is going for groundballs,” Lyles said. “It just happened to be that way (Thursday). I think the fastball command was pretty good. It might have been a little bit of deception, a lot of guys hit the top of the ball. That just lets you know you’re doing a decent job and guys aren’t seeing it as well.”
