Padres Pitcher Cole Paplham Struck in Face by 102 MPH Line Drive During Spring Training

The 24-year-old pitcher remained conscious and alert after being hit by a ball during a game against the Dodgers and is undergoing further evaluation.

Cole Paplham, a San Diego Padres pitcher, was struck in the face by a 102.4 mph line drive hit by Dodgers' Aaron Bracho during an eighth-inning play on February 23, 2025.
Paplham was evaluated on the field for several minutes but was able to walk to a golf cart under his own power before being taken off for further medical assessment.
Padres manager Mike Shildt confirmed that Paplham was conscious, alert, and aware of his surroundings following the incident, though he appeared to be in significant pain.
The injury has reignited discussions about the need for increased protective gear for pitchers, as this marks the second incident during 2025 spring training where a pitcher was hit by a line drive.
Paplham, ranked as one of the Padres' top prospects, has been placed under concussion protocol, and the team is hopeful for a full recovery to continue his development.