Red Sox

Rick Porcello laughed it off after he was drilled in the head by a line drive

The former Cy Young had a scare Monday night.

Christian Vazquez, Rick Porcello
Christian Vazquez calls for someone to come and check out starting pitcher Rick Porcello, after Porcello was knocked over by a batted ball during the second inning. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

By PJ Wright

For a split second, it looked like the Red Sox might be without Rick Porcello for the start of the regular season later this week in Seattle. But that’s all it was — a split second.

In the second inning of the Red Sox’ exhibition matchup against the Cubs on Monday night, the Boston right-hander was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Chicago catcher Willson Contreras. But he was immediately able to jump back to his feet, and even have a laugh while being checked by the team’s training staff.

It was a scare for both Porcello and the Red Sox, though the former Cy Young winner played it off pretty well.

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After being examined, Porcello would throw a few warmup pitches and stay in the game. He finished after throwing for four innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits. The Red Sox lost to the Cubs, 3-2.