Reno's Marshall suffers fractured skull

Reno reliever Evan Marshall underwent surgery after suffering a fractured skull when he was hit by a line drive in a Minor League game on Tuesday night, the D-backs said.

Marshall, 25, was struck on the right temple by a ball hit by El Paso catcher Jason Hagerty while pitching in the sixth inning for Arizona's Triple-A affiliate Aug. 4. The D-backs said the right-hander needed surgery to alleviate swelling and pressure in his skull and is now in stable condition at a hospital.

"Evan and his family would like to pass along their sincere appreciation to all of the fans and friends for their prayers and well wishes," the D-backs said in a statement on Friday. "They would also like to thank the D-backs organization, the Reno Aces, the El Paso Chihuahuas, the hospital staff and everyone who has been involved in helping him return to health and assisting his family during the past several days."

Marshall is currently in the intensive care unit recovering, and the D-backs said he is "alert and has been engaging in conversation and is able to walk." He was placed on the Aces' 7-day disabled list Aug. 5.

The Kansas State product was Arizona's fourth-round pick in the 2011 Draft. He made his Major League debut last May, appearing in 57 games out of the D-backs' bullpen, where he finished 4-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 49 1/3 innings last year while also pitching in 14 games for Reno.

This season, the right-hander is 3-2 with a 6.40 ERA in 31 outings at Reno in the Pacific Coast League. He's struck out 25, walked 13 and earned a pair of saves. In the Majors, he's 0-2 with a 6.08 ERA in 13 appearances.