Tyler O’Neill and Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox violently crashed into one another on the field, leading to both players staying on the ground, injured.
The scary moment came in the seventh inning, when Estevan Florial popped a fly ball into left field. Devers drifted back from third base and O’Neill in from left field. Neither saw one another as they looked up for the ball and they hit each other in the head while going to make the play.
You can watch the scary moment, here:
Trainers for the Guardians were actually the first ones out to O’Neill and Devers, coming from the closer dugout, showing just how much concern there was for the two stars. Red Sox manager Alex Cora and the team trainers were quickly on their way behind them, though.
Tyler O’Neill, whose sunglasses can be seen flying from his face, was visibly bleeding from his forehead. He was eventually able to walk off the field under his own power while holding what appeared to be a rag against his face. However, he needed to leave the game.
At this point, O’Neill’s actual injury status is unknown. However, he’s been vital to the success the Red Sox have had, leading MLB in home runs with seven to this point in the season. He has also struggled with injury issues during his career, failing to play more than 100 games in the past two seasons.
Rafael Devers was actually about to make the catch, despite the violent collision that led to him being shaken up on the play. Luckily, Devers was able to return to the field. A star slugger for the Red Sox, he’s been battling a sore shoulder that has cost him six games already.
The Boston Red Sox have struggled on the defensive side of the ball this season, particularly since shortstop Trevor Story went down with a season-ending shoulder injury. Already, they’ve given up 19 unearned runs. Losing any more starters is something that the Red Sox can’t afford in the hyper-competitive AL East.
Rob Gronkowski spiked his first pitch at Red Sox game
New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski was in town for Marathon Monday and the Red Sox invited him to throw out the first pitch. He did so in the most Gronkowski way possible, by spiking the ball into the ground.
The Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Guardians started their game at 11:10 A.M. It’s part of the Boston Marathon tradition every Patriots Day. Since 1959, the Red Sox have played a home game to coincide with the marathon.
For his part, Gronkowski was also involved in the marathon, serving as its grand marshal.
More must-reads: