Astros pitcher Mickey Storey takes line drive off face By Sports Network

Astros relief pitcher Mickey Storey is helped off the field by trainers after being hit in the face by a line drive off the bat of Cubs outfielder Dave Sappelt at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Tex., Sept. 12, 2012. (BOB LEVEY/Getty Images/AFP)

HOUSTON - Houston Astros reliever Mickey Storey exited Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs after taking a line-drive comebacker off his right cheek.

Cubs outfielder Dave Sappelt hit a 1-1 fastball back up the middle in Storey's direction. The right-handed reliever was in his follow through and tried avoiding the screamer, but the ball hit his pitching hand and caromed off the bottom of his right cheek.

The 26-year-old rookie stayed on the mound for several moments, but was able to head back to the dugout under his own power, albeit with a healthy bruise on his face.

Storey escaped with a contusion to his right hand a jaw.