MLB umpire Nick Mahrley had to leave Sunday’s game between the Colorado Rockies and the New York Yankees after being hit in the head with a broken bat.
Mahrley was conscious and able to move his arms when he was placed on a stretcher with his head and neck in a brace. The nature of his injury and condition were not immediately clear.
The incident occurred in the fifth inning, with the Yankees leading 4-3. Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton hit a single off a broken bat into left field off Rockies starter Austin Gomber.
The barrel of Stanton’s baton broke off at the handle and spun around, striking Mahrley in the neck and side of his head, causing his face mask to fall off.
Mahrley fell to his knees in pain but remained conscious. He was eventually placed on a stretcher. He was able to lift his arms while being placed on the stretcher before being taken off the field for medical evaluation.
Stanton’s hit loaded the bases with one out. The game was delayed while crew chief Marvin Hudson donned protective gear to take over the plate. The Rockies recorded consecutive outs when play resumed, ending the inning with the bases loaded without a Yankees run.
The Yankees eventually won 10-3 on a day in which they hit five home runs.
