Rays minor leaguer Darin Downs is in serious but stable condition in a Birmingham, Ala., hospital after being struck in the head by a batted ball Monday night.

Downs, 24, has a cracked skull, brain swelling and some facial paralysis, according to a source. He’s in intensive care at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham. He was struck in the head in the fifth inning of his start for Double-A Montgomery, facing host Birmingham. With runners on first and second, Christian Marrero hit a liner back through the box that struck Downs in the head; the force of the carom sent the ball into the Birmingham dugout, and the play was ruled a run-scoring ground-rule double.

Downs was expected to have surgery to repair of of the damage once the swelling goes down somewhat, but he had not had surgery as of Monday afternoon.

Downs was having his best season, making his second start at Double-A after going 12-4, 2.00 at high Class A Charlotte in the Florida State League.