Rays' Hellickson hit in head with ball during batting practice

(AP) DETROIT - Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Jeremy Hellickson has been taken to a hospital as a precaution after being hit in the head by a ball during batting practice before Wednesday's game at Detroit.

Manager Joe Maddon says the 25-year-old Hellickson was not bleeding and did not lose consciousness.

Hellickson is scheduled to start Saturday at Boston. He was throwing a bullpen session while the Tigers were taking batting practice when he was hit. He was helped from the bullpen on a cart, but Maddon was optimistic Hellickson was "stunned more than anything."

Hellickson went 13-10 with a 2.95 ERA last year in his first full season as a major league starter. He pitched 8 2-3 scoreless innings in a 3-0 win over the New York Yankees on Sunday.