Photo: Marlon Byrd is helped by a team trainer after being hit by a pitch below his eye by Boston's Alfredo Aceves during the second inning. BOSTON -- Marlon Byrd was taken to a local hospital with a gash under his left eye after being hit in the head with a pitch from Boston starter Alfredo Aceves in the second inning of Saturday's game.
Byrd went down on the ground and wriggled around in pain, holding his hand over his eye as blood trickled out.
The Cubs' trainers came out, wrapped a towel around Byrd's head and took him to the training room. Reed Johnson replaced Byrd on the bases and in centerfield.
After the 9-3 win on Saturday, Cubs manager Mike Quade said Byrd would to stay overnight at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary for observation.
"This is serious stuff ... I'm worried about Marlon now," Quade said.
It was the second batter hit by Aceves, who also plunked leadoff man Kosuke Fukudome in the leg. Byrd has been hit five since since May 11, and Cubs' batters have been hit 13 times since May 6.