Padres Catcher Freddy Fermin Exits Game After Second Foul Ball to Mask

Fermin was struck directly between the eyes after being hit earlier in the game.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:23am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball catcher being struck in the face by a foul ball, with the impact broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange.A cubist interpretation of the dangers catchers face from foul balls, with the impact fractured into abstract geometric forms.San Diego Today

San Diego Padres catcher Freddy Fermin was forced to leave Wednesday night's game against the Seattle Mariners in the top of the third inning after taking a second foul ball to the face. Fermin had already been hit by a foul ball in the second inning before being struck directly between the eyes when Brendan Donovan fouled off a pitch, causing Fermin to go to his knees. Padres manager Craig Stammen and the team's training staff came out to check on Fermin, who then walked off the field. Luis Campusano replaced Fermin, who was hitting .161 with no homers and two RBIs in 14 games this season.

Why it matters

Foul balls striking catchers in the mask is a common occurrence in baseball, but repeated impacts can increase the risk of concussions and other serious injuries. Fermin's exit highlights the dangers catchers face and the need for continued safety improvements in the sport.

The details

In the top of the third inning, Mariners batter Brendan Donovan fouled off a 1-1 pitch from Padres pitcher Randy Vasquez, striking Fermin directly between the eyes. Fermin went down to his knees after being hit, and Padres manager Craig Stammen and the team's training staff came out to check on him. Fermin then walked off the field under his own power, with Luis Campusano replacing him behind the plate. Fermin had already been hit by a foul ball in the second inning.

  • Fermin was struck by a foul ball in the second inning.
  • In the top of the third inning, Fermin was hit directly between the eyes by another foul ball.

The players

Freddy Fermin

The San Diego Padres catcher who was forced to leave Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners after being struck in the face by two foul balls.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres, who came out to check on Fermin after he was hit by the second foul ball.

Brendan Donovan

The Seattle Mariners batter who fouled off the pitch that struck Fermin in the face in the third inning.

Randy Vasquez

The San Diego Padres pitcher who was on the mound when Fermin was hit by the second foul ball.

Luis Campusano

The Padres catcher who replaced Fermin after he left the game.

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What’s next

The Padres will provide an update on Fermin's condition and his status for future games.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the inherent dangers catchers face and the need for continued safety improvements in baseball, such as better protective equipment and protocols to monitor for concussions after foul ball impacts.