Miami Marlins Star Giancarlo Stanton Struck in the Face by Pitch

— -- Miami Marlins star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was hit in the face by a pitch Thursday, crumpling to the ground in pain before being driven off the field in an ambulance.

Stanton, 24, was trying to get out of the way as the pitch sailed out of the strike zone. As the ball struck Stanton, the crowd groaned and Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Mike Fiers threw up his hands, visibly shaken.

Stanton suffered multiple facial fractures, dental damage and cuts that needed stitches. Marlins manager Mike Redmond acknowledged that Stanton could miss the remainder of the season.

"It's devastating for us. Devastating. For his season to end like that, I mean, that's not good," Redmond said.

Stanton's father was at the game and came on the field while his son was treated, and left with him in the ambulance.

Despite his being struck by the pitch, the Brewers were awarded a strike, with the umpire ruling that Stanton swung.

Milwaukee won the game 4-2.

After the game, Fiers, 29, expressed his concern and sorrow.

"I am deeply sorry about what happened tonight. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through," he wrote on Twitter.

"I feel horrible and hope for a speedy recovery."

Stanton is one of the game's best young players. He leads the majors with 105 RBIs, along with a National League-leading 37 home runs this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.