Kaulana Kuhaulua never saw the pitch coming. He didn't flinch or duck. Kuhaulua beaned,
may be done for yearBy Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.comThe tailing fastball from visiting Clinton LumberKing's right-hander Gustavo Mata struck Kuhaulua on the left side of his face in the fifth inning last Friday night.
"It's hard to see the ball because of the background at our place," said Kuhaulua, an infielder with the Quad City River Bandits in the Class-A Midwest League.
As at most minor-league stadiums, the outfield fence at John O'Donnell Stadium is covered with bright signs advertising various products and companies.
"Kaulana was officially placed on the seven-day disabled list with a fractured jaw, but he may be out for the remainder of the season," said Andrew Rudnik, Quad City director of media relations.
"I think the Twins would rather be careful with him than rush any return to action."
Kuhaulua has two plates held in place by nine screws in his jaw. His tongue was badly cut and required stitches. He has seven or eight stitches in his lip and he lost five teeth.
But, the Waianae High School graduate who finished his college career at Long Beach State, doesn't want to miss the rest of the season.
"The doctor said it's pretty much up to me. I'll need a protective mask. If I can get that, then I hope to be back in action in two to three weeks," said Kuhaulua.
"Right now, I need to let my jaw heal because it's pretty swollen and it has to get back to close to normal. And, I can't eat right now, just get by on a liquid diet."
Kahaulua is in his second season in the Minnesota Twins organization after being selected in the 12th round of the 2001 First-Year Player Draft.
He was batting .228 with nine doubles, a triple, two home runs and 17 runs batted in when he was injured. He also was second on the River Bandits with nine stolen bases.