CLEVELAND (AP) – Umpire Larry Vanover is being evaluated for concussions and other injuries in the hospital after being hit in the head by a pitch during Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 67-year-old Vanover was knocked down by a throw from Guards star second baseman Andres Gimenez, wheeled and fired toward the plate, hitting Vanover in the left side of the head on the infield turf between second and the mound.
Major League Baseball said Vanover is being evaluated for a head injury and other possible medical issues. A timetable for his return is to be determined.”
Plate umpire Chris Guccione told a pool reporter that Vanover had a “pretty good-sized bump” on his head. He was taken to the Cleveland Clinic.
“They’re going to do a concussion test and he seems coherent and aware of what’s going on,” Guccione said. “But he got that shiny look. He’s probably going to be in the hospital all night.”
“That was scary. It’s very difficult to concentrate after seeing a partner get hit. But they gave me updates, and I said, “Okay. He is good. I was like, ‘It’s in safe hands.’ So we moved.”
Vanover, who ejected Yankees manager Aaron Boone following a controversial play, was hit by a pitch. His hat flew off his head as he landed on the grass.
Jimenez was visibly upset and many in the Mattis crowd of 23,164 at Progressive Field gasped when Vanover hit.
Vanover got to his feet unaided and was checked in by a Cleveland trainer before leaving the field. Vanover has 29 years of major league coaching experience.
The game continued with three teams.
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