Duffy dismisses Schilling criticism
BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) - Pittsburgh's Chris Duffy said criticism from pitcher Curt Schilling after being hit in the head by the Boston ace is unwarranted.
Duffy sat out Sunday's exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays because of a mild concussion sustained a day earlier when he was hit by a pitch.
Schilling said Duffy should have been able to avoid the fastball.
"I don't blame Curt Schilling for what happened because I know he wasn't trying to hit me, especially in an exhibition game," Duffy said. "I understand he is working on pitching inside more, but sometimes you've just got to take responsibility. You've got to go about it in a classy way.
"If he wants to pitch inside, that's fine, but he did hit me in the head. He threw the pitch up and in."
Duffy said he couldn't be sure there was any possibility he could have avoided the pitch until he watched a television replay.
Schilling felt Duffy leaned into the pitch. Duffy, though, said he shouldn't be faulted for that approach.
"I can't stand so far off the plate that I just let him keep getting me out on the outside corner with pitches I can't reach," Duffy said.
The Pirates haven't said when Duffy, who plays center field, will return to the lineup.
Pittsburgh first baseman Sean Casey sat out the two games after he was hit in the head by a pitch from Cincinnati Reds left-hander Michael Gosling on Wednesday. Most likely, the Pirates will keep Duffy out until Wednesday because they have Tuesday off.
After being hit, Duffy was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital for a CT scan, which was negative. Duffy said he felt fortunate that he walked away from the beaning without so much as a headache. Pittsburgh won 10-7 on Saturday.
"I felt just a little woozy right after I was hit, but that was it," Duffy said. "I really feel like I could play right now. The Pirates are taking precautions by keeping me out of the lineup and I understand that. I'm just glad I'm feeling good."
The 25-year-old Duffy made his major league debut last season when he played in 39 games for the Pirates, batting .341 with one home run and nine RBIs. He also batted .308 with seven homers, 31 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 39 games with Class AAA Indianapolis.
Duffy missed the last five weeks of the season with a torn left hamstring