Rays' Nick Franklin hit in head on deck by teammate's bat

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Nick Franklin was hit in the head on deck by a teammate's bat, but drew a walk and scored in the first inning before leaving the game with a head bruise against the San Diego Padres.

Kevin Kiermaier smacked the back of Franklin's head with a bat when Franklin bent to grab pine tar in the on-deck circle prior to leading off the first inning in Wednesday's game. Kiermaier was stretching a few feet in front of Franklin, swinging the bat over his head with one arm.

Franklin's head and vision were checked by Rays' athletic trainer Ron Porterfield. Franklin scored on Brad Miller's two-run homer, but was taken out after the inning.

The Rays say Franklin's removal was precautionary and his status would be evaluated.