Nationals batting practice pitcher coherent, resting after collapsing on field

The Nationals cancelled batting practice ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Phillies at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park after a scary sight on the field. James Frisbie, Washington’s batting practice pitcher, collapsed while pitching batting practice. 

First responders loaded Frisbie onto a stretcher and took him to a Philadelphia hospital. Despite initial concerns that Frisbie suffered a heart attack, the Nationals have not confirmed the nature of the medical emergency. 

After Wednesday’s game, which the Nationals lost 7-2, Washington manager Dave Martinez said Frisbie was awake and resting.

“We haven’t heard anything as far as results-wise, but he is coherent,” Martinez said. “He’s feeling better. A lot of prayers are going out his way. … Scary moment for all of us. He’s a big part of our Nats family.”

Frisbie collapsed in the middle of the Nationals’ pregame batting practice. Players and coaches dropped to a knee as athletic trainers and emergency medical technicians tended to the staffer. 

The incident rattled Washington’s players, who met in the clubhouse before the game. 

“I let them know that, hey, things are going to be OK,” Martinez said, according to MLB.com. “We’ve just got to stick together, as we always do, and go out there and let’s try to just focus on the baseball game.”