Evan Marshall makes full return to big leagues after fractured skull

Evan Marshall’s early baseball career has been the epitome of a roller coaster. Being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth round of the 2011 draft, Marshall was early on thought to be an eventual key contributor for the team.

His journey took an unexpected turn for the worse on August 4, 2015 when Marshall was struck by a line drive while pitching for Arizona’s Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Aces. The pitcher suffered a fractured skull that required surgery to relieve pressure and swelling in his head.

After eight months of recovery, Marshall made his return to the big leagues Sunday against the San Diego Padres.

What a sight.

Evan Marshall enters for the @Dbacks. Tissues handy, surreal moment. Great to see him back and better than ever.

— Reno Aces (@Aces) April 17, 2016

Evan Marshall coming on to pitch for #Dbacks. Big moment for him after nearly fatal incident last August.

— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) April 17, 2016

Marshall’s first appearance since fracturing his skull could not have been written any better. Entering the eighth inning with the Diamondbacks nursing a 7-3 lead, the 25-year-old made short work of the Padre batters. Marshall struck out Matt Kemp to begin the inning, then got Melvin Upton, Jr. to ground out and Alexei Ramirez to pop out.

Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale let Marshall go back out in the ninth inning and he did not disappoint. Getting the first two outs via ground balls, Marshall shut the door on the Padres by striking out Adam Rosales.

.@emarsh31 reflects on his first game back in the big leagues. pic.twitter.com/uoZWQL7Np1

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 17, 2016

The Diamondbacks head to San Francisco to finish up their 10-game road trip.