TORONTO — Blue Jays rookie Randy Ruiz was hit in the face by a pitch from Josh Towers of the New York Yankees, and was able to walk off the field without assistance Sunday.

Ruiz batted with the bases loaded in the fifth inning after Towers relieved Mark Melancon. Towers threw an 0-2 pitch that appeared to hit Ruiz in the cheek.

Ruiz fell forward on his knees, holding his head. Trainer George Poulis and manager Cito Gaston rushed to Ruiz's side, and team physician Dr. Ron Taylor also tended to him.

After a few minutes, Ruiz stood up, walked off and left the game.

Ruiz became the latest player to recently be hit in the head by a pitch. David Wright, Scott Rolen and Marco Scutaro are among the others.