Umpire Wendelstedt Hospitalized After Line Drive Incident

Veteran MLB umpire Hunter Wendelstedt, 53, was hospitalized and underwent concussion protocol after being struck in the face by a line drive foul ball off the bat of Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor during the seventh inning of Wednesday’s Mets-Twins game in Minneapolis. Wendelstedt collapsed but was able to walk off the field with assistance, pressing a towel to his head, and appeared coherent while receiving medical attention. He was reported to be in good spirits during contact with medical staff and will continue to be monitored. The incident shook players and staff and brought renewed concern for on-field safety. Unlike base coaches, umpires on the bases are not required to wear helmets, a rule introduced for coaches after a fatal 2007 incident. The game resumed with a three-umpire crew after Wendelstedt's departure.