Who knew batting practice could be so painful?

Boston Red Sox shortstop Alex Cora was getting in some hacks in preparation for yesterday's game against the Orioles when he was nearly sent to the dirt with a pitch by his own coach.

Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills, who was throwing batting practice, clearly didn't have his best command, losing one pitch from close range that struck Cora in the right knee. Cora hobbled behind the cage, allowing someone else to step into the dangerous confines of the batter's box.

The bad news for the Orioles is he stayed in the lineup and went 2-for-3.