ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — New York Yankees special assistant to the general manager Stump Merrill was taken to a hospital after being hit just above the lip by a thrown ball during batting practice before today's game against Tampa Bay.

Merrill was collecting balls near a screen behind second base when he was struck by a ball thrown from the outfield. He was taken off the field on a stretcher.

The Yankees said Merrill was conscious and alert. He underwent tests on his mouth, which the team said were negative.

It wasn't immediately known if Merrill would be kept overnight in the hospital.