In an unfortunate result of being struck in the face by a line drive, Atlanta Braves Minor League manager, Luis Salazar, has lost his left eye, ESPN.com’s news service reports.

Braves general manager, Frank Wren, confirmed that doctors were unable to save the coach’s eye after the accident, but he is expected to recover from his injuries and manage the organization’s Single-A team this year.

“Luis is progressing well. Right now he’s focused on getting back to work,” Wren said.

Salazar was struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Brian McCann and was airlifted to Orlando Regional Hospital on March 9, 2011.  You can see video of Salazar being taken off the field in an ambulance here.  It was reported that Salazar was unconscious for 20 or more minutes before regaining consciousness.

“In the big picture, and that’s what we have to keep in mind, this is a good outcome,” Wren said. “He’s alive.”

McCann was shaken after the incident and has visited Salazar in the hospital.  Their season begins on April 7.

“It’s a crazy, crazy thing that happened,” McCann said the day after Salazar was struck. “So unfortunate. You feel hopeless.”

Salazar is expected to return to his duties as the Single-A manager soon.

“Doctors have told us and him that there is no reason why in about four or six weeks, he can’t manage his team as he anticipated,” Wren said.