MILWAUKEE -- Brewers outfielder Keon Broxton left Thursday's game after being struck in the helmet with a 92 mph fastball from Colorado rookie Antonio Senzatela in the second inning.
The Brewers told reporters after the Rockies' 2-1 victory that Broxton suffered a slight nasal fracture but won't be placed on the disabled list.
"He avoided something incredibly serious," manager Craig Counsell said.
The ball struck a protective flap on Broxton's helmet as he batted with one out and the bases empty. The force of the pitch appeared to push the helmet flap into Broxton's nose.
Broxton told reporters that the flap kept the ball from hitting his cheek or orbital socket.
"That flap, man, that thing just saved my life,'' Broxton said. "The crazy thing about it is I was thinking about taking it off a couple days ago, too, and then this happens. I'm never taking that thing off.
"It just felt like I got punched by Mike Tyson. But other than that I feel good.''
Broxton briefly was sprawled out in the right-handed batter's box before getting to his feet with assistance from a trainer. Broxton held a towel to his face as he left the field.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis ran for Broxton and remained in the lineup.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.