Florida pitcher released from hospital

BOSTON (AP) Florida Marlins pitcher Kevin Olsen was released from the hospital and put on the 15-day disabled list with a concussion Saturday, one day after being hit in the head by a line drive.

''He probably won't be able to pitch for a couple of weeks,'' manager Jack McKeon said before Florida's game against the Boston Red Sox.

Olsen needed six stitches for a cut that opened when he was struck near the right ear by Todd Walker's seventh-inning liner.

The right-hander lay nearly motionless on the mound for nine minutes, moving his legs and blinking his eyes before being immobilized and carted off the field on a stretcher.

McKeon said Olsen was conscious and talking while he was on the ground.

Olsen was held overnight for observation at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, just a few blocks from Fenway Park.

He was released Saturday and was at the team's hotel, with plans to return to Florida with the Marlins on Sunday.

Right-hander Nate Bump was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to take Olsen's spot on the roster.

The 26-year-old Olsen, in his third season with the Marlins, appeared to be hit behind the right ear as he followed through on his delivery. The ball bounced toward Florida's third-base dugout, and Walker wound up with a double.

Trainers from both teams rushed to the mound and players in both dugouts stood or sat silently, some appearing to pray.

The injury was reminiscent of a line drive hit by Ryan Thompson of the New York Yankees that struck Red Sox right-hander Bryce Florie in the eye on Sept. 8, 2001.

Florie sustained serious eye damage and attempted a comeback with Boston. He was later released and is out of the majors.

Olsen has an 11.17 ERA in 9 2-3 innings for Florida this season. He does not have a decision in four appearances.