Stanton speaks out for 1st time since injury

In this photo taken on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, Miami Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton falls back after he was hit by a pitch during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee. Stanton sustained multiple facial fractures, dental damage and cuts that needed stitches after being hit in the face by a fastball from Milwaukee's starting pitcher Mike Fiers. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) In this photo taken on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, Miami Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton falls back after he was hit by a pitch during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee. Stanton sustained multiple facial fractures, dental damage and cuts that needed stitches after being hit in the face by a fastball from Milwaukee's starting pitcher Mike Fiers. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

By Associated Press September 18, 2014 1 min read

MIAMI (AP) – Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins is speaking out for the first time about the injury that ended his season, saying Thursday night that he’s recovering well from injuries caused by a fastball to the face.

Stanton is still sporting two slightly blackened eyes and has a wound over the left side of his mouth. He also lost one tooth and had four others damaged but says he expects to begin his regular offseason program in December.

The All-Star outfielder says he blacked out briefly on the play. He says he has exchanged texts with Milwaukee’s Mike Fiers, who threw the pitch last Thursday.

Stanton says he will use protection on his helmet when he returns next season. He’s an NL MVP candidate with 37 home runs and 105 RBIs this year.