Braves coach hit by line drive in face loses eye

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - Atlanta Braves minor league manager Luis Salazar has lost an eye after he was struck in the face by a line drive while watching a spring training game.

Braves general manager Frank Wren said Wednesday that doctors were unable to save Salazar's left eye after the accident March 9. The former major league player is otherwise recovering from his injuries and expects to manage Lynchburg of the Class A Carolina League this season.

The 54-year-old Salazar was standing against the railing on the top step of the dugout during a game between the Braves and St. Louis Cardinals when Brian McCann fouled a ball toward in his direction. Salazar was unable to get out of the way.

The game was stopped for about 20 minutes so the unconscious Salazar could be airlifted to an Orlando hospital. He had multiple facial fractures in addition to the eye injury.