New York, USA.- Referee Larry Vanover is being evaluated for a concussion and other injuries at a hospital after being hit in the head by a relief throw during Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians.
Vanover, 67, was knocked down by the throw from Guardians All-Star second baseman Andrés Giménez, who spun and fired toward home plate and hit Vanover, positioned on the infield grass between second and the mound, at the left side of his head.
Major League Baseball said Vanover said he is being reviewed for a head injury “and other possible medical issues. The timeline for his return is to be determined.”
Home plate umpire Chris Guccione told a pool reporter that Vanover had “a pretty big knot” in his head. He has been taken to the Cleveland Clinic.
“They’re going to do a concussion test and it seemed like he was coherent and knew a little bit what was going on,” Guccione said. “But he had this glassy look on him. Maybe he’ll be in the hospital for the rest of the night.”
“That was awful. It’s really hard to focus after that after seeing a guy get beaten up. But they gave me updates and I was like, ‘Okay. He’s good. He’s in good hands. So we’re moving on.'”
He had expelled Aaron Boone
Vanover, who had thrown out Yankees manager Aaron Boone in the first inning after a controversial play, was knocked down by the throw. His hat flew off his head as he fell to the grass.
Gimenez was visibly upset and many in the crowd of 23,164 at Progressive Field gasped when Vanover was pummeled.
Vanover got to his feet without assistance and was checked by the Cleveland coach before being escorted off the field. Vanover has 29 years of experience as an umpire in the Major Leagues.
The game continued with a team of three referees.
