The Orioles almost had another "here we go" moment.
During batting practice before Friday's game at Fenway, Izturis was fielding grounders off a fungo when a ball took a bad hop and smashed him in the right ear. He dropped to a knee and left the field with athletic trainer Brian Ebel. And he didn't return to the field pre-game.
It's chilly in Boston, and Izturis said the ball wasn't hit hard but it stung badly when it struck him.
His ear was still red 15 minutes later, but he said he's OK and he'll play today as regularly scheduled.
"Man, it really hurt at first. But I am fine."