By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Big scare at Tampa Bay Rays camp during batting practice this morning as B.J. Upton was struck in the ribs by an Adam Russell pitch.
Upton went down and stayed down for a few minutes, but was back on his feet, hugged Russell and was smiling and laughing.
Upton was sore, but said he resumed drills and didn't expect to miss any time. "It didn't feel good, and it still doesn't,'' he said.
Russell said he felt bad about hitting B.J. Upton, especially being a new member of the team. "Not a good way to make a first impression,'' he said.
