Blair’s Stay In Hospital A Short One Tigers Pitcher Called Lucky; Recovery To Take 6-8 Weeks

Detroit Tigers pitcher Willie Blair left Cleveland on Monday, less than 24 hours after his jaw was broken by a line drive off the bat of Julio Franco.

Blair was released from Lutheran Hospital about noon and was re-examined at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

“Right now, the preliminary prognosis is that recovery could take six to eight weeks,” Tigers spokesman Tyler Barnes said.

Given how hard Blair got hit, a one-night stay in the hospital seemed lucky. Dr. James Christian of Henry Ford Hospital recommended a conservative plan of treatment that does not include surgery or wiring Blair’s jaw shut.

The Tigers were leading the Indians 2-0 Sunday when Franco’s line drive struck Blair in the side of the head with a crunch that was audible in center field. The ball was clocked at 107 mph.

The pitcher flopped to the ground and lay motionless more than 5 minutes before being taken away in an ambulance.

Franco squatted at first base with his head in his hands. The Indians designated hitter later visited the pitcher in the hospital.

“I thought I hit him in the temple or something and I could have killed him,” he said. “I’m going to keep him in my prayers.”