Cleveland Guardians trainer James Quinlan, right, looks at Umpire Larry Vanover (27) after Vanover was hit with the baseball during a play in the fifth inning of the game between the Guardians and the New York Yankees. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

New details emerge about relay throw that hit umpire

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 4/14/23

MLB umpire Larry Vanover was released from the hospital on Friday, two days after being drilled in the head by a relay throw during a game between the Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees.

According to an Associated Press and ESPN report, the throw from Guardians infielder Andrés Giménez that hit Vanover on the left side of the head was clocked at 89 mph and came from less than 50 feet away. For reference, MLB mounds are 60 feet and six inches away from home plate.

With runners on first and second in the top of the fifth inning, Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka hit a fly ball to center field over the head of Cleveland's Myles Straw and off the wall. Straw quickly played the ricochet and fired to Giménez, who took the relay in shallow center and threw towards the infield, where Vanover was standing between second base and the pitcher's mound.

After the ball hit the 67-year-old umpire, it "caromed off him and rolled toward first base," per the report.

The bizarre play allowed a second Yankees runner to score.

Following the incident, Vanover was transported to the Cleveland Clinic and checked for a concussion and "other medical issues." He had been scheduled to work Thursday's game between the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies in Cincinnati but will need to be cleared by MLB doctors before returning to the diamond.

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