It only takes two or three errant strides near the middle of the field by the runner to put the pitcher and the runner in jeopardy. Since the pitcher is sighted, and his job is done, the only thing he has to think about is avoiding the runner, whose concentration is 90 feet away. The size of the beepball helps to spread the impact over a larger area which is a definite help. A good thing to remember is that the direction the body is moving at the time of impact is important. If the body is moving away from the ball, the motion takes away the force of the ball.
Dignity when dodging a ball can be a luxury.
If the body is falling to avoid a ball and trying to maintain balance at the same time, it means two sets of muscles are working against each other. It is better to use all the muscles to flop, fall, dodge, or whatever, than to get hit. Remember, a body falling away from an oncoming object receives less of a blow. Some pitchers believe that they pitch better after getting stung. It tends to remind them to concentrate a little harder and brings them back into the game.