Starting Pitcher Jeremy Hellickson of the Tampa Bay Rays was hit in the head with a ball during batting practice prior to Wednesday's game against Detroit. The right-handed pitcher was taken to the hospital to be checked. 

Manager Joe Maddon indicated that Hellickson did not lose consciousness and was not bleeding.  Maddon said Hellickson was "stunned more than anything."

Hellickson is not scheduled to start until Saturday at Boston against the Red Sox.

A second year player, Hellickson won the Rookie of the Year last year with a 13-10 record and a stellar 2.95 ERA.  He is off to a great start this season pitching 8 2/3 scoreless inning in a 3-0 win over the New York Yankees last week.