Detroit Tigers star Jordan Zimmermann was pitching in just his third start of the season in their clash with Cleveland Indians when his evening came to a premature end.

Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis, the second batter in the bottom of the first inning, drilled a 2-2 pitch back up the middle, and Zimmermann had no time to react as the ball smashed into his face at a staggering 106mph.

Zimmermann stayed down for a short time as teammates, the club trainer and manager Ron Gardenhire rushed to the mound.

He eventually walked away with a towel on his face, and the team later announced that his injury was merely a contusion.