Yankees rookie RHP Bryan Mitchell out after taking line drive to face

— -- NEW YORK -- Yankees rookie right-hander Bryan Mitchell took a line drive off his face Monday, which forced him to be removed from the game with two outs in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins.

With one arm around trainer Steve Donohue and the other holding a towel to his bloodied face, Mitchell received a standing ovation as he walked into the dugout.

There was no immediate word on his exact injuries. Mitchell was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital for a full evaluation.

The shot off the bat of former Yankees infielder  Eduardo Nunez connected with Mitchell's face before he could put his glove up to make a play. It knocked Mitchell off his feet.

The Twins, who had two men on, scored a run on the play. Mitchell was replaced by Caleb Cotham.

Mitchell, 24, started Monday because the Yankees wanted to give their regular starters an extra day's rest.

Mitchell was 0-1 with a 3.72 ERA.

Mitchell is considered the Yankees' second-best pitching prospect, behind right-hander Luis Severino.

Four MLB pitchers have now been hit in the head by line drives this year. All four were struck below the cap line.

Some pitchers have taken to wearing caps equipped with additional protective material either lining the inside or surrounding the outside, however such a cap would not have aided Mitchell on Monday night.

Information from ESPN's William Weinbaum contributed to this report.