Baseball star Pillar shows off grisly damage but says he’s ‘more worried’ about pitcher who threw 94mph ball at his face (VIDEO)

New York Mets star Kevin Pillar displayed the damage after he took a ball to the face against the Atlanta Braves this week, but said he was more concerned about the effect the incident could have on the man who threw the pitch.

Pillar triggered widespread concern among fellow players and fans after spurting blood when he was caught by a 94mph ball by Jacob Webb in the seventh inning of their game at Truist Park on Monday.

After making his way from the field under his own steam, it was later reported that the 32-year-old had suffered multiple nasal fractures but escaped more serious injury.

Sporting a bruised and battered face, Pillar returned on Tuesday to Truist Park, where he spoke to the media.   

“I feel real good, actually. Despite not looking so good, I feel as close to normal as possible,” said the centerfielder, who had jokingly inquired with manager Luis Rojas as to whether he was in the line-up for the game.  

Pillar was seen supporting his Mets teammates on Tuesday. © USA Today Sports

“The only tough thing is my right eye a little bit right now is suffering from a little bit of swelling and I can’t really breathe out of my nose, but besides that I feel good,” Pillar added.  

“I feel lucky and I’m just kind of excited to start this recovery and get back doing what I like doing.”

Pillar is provisionally on the 10-day injured list, and after meeting with a plastic surgeon is set to undergo surgery to fix his nose back in place once the swelling goes down.

Pillar was floored by the pitch he took to the face from Webb. © USA Today Sports

“My face will heal, but my heart’s broken right now because this team is hurting right now,” Pillar added as he became the 13th Mets star to wind up on the injury list. 

The veteran star, who only joined the Mets in February, said his concerns lay more with Braves pitcher Webb – who had turned away immediately on striking Pillar’s face and appeared distraught at the incident.

The pair met at Truist Park on Tuesday, with Pillar reassuring Webb about his health.

“I’m almost more worried about him than I am myself because I know I saw his reaction and I know how tough that can be on someone who feels responsible for someone getting injured,” Pillar said.

“I think everyone – my family, my close friends, my inner circle – they know this is just a minor bump in the road. I pride myself on being tough and available. I’ll be all right.”

The Mets picked up a 4-3 victory on Tuesday night, backing up the 3-1 win they had earned on Monday despite losing Pillar from the fray.