Veteran MLB umpire Hunter Wendelstedt was struck in the face by a line drive foul ball behind first base during a game in Minneapolis. The incident occurred in the seventh inning when New York Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor hit the ball directly at Wendelstedt, causing him to fall to the ground. Wendelstedt, in his 28th season as an umpire, was coherent and speaking but underwent a concussion protocol at the hospital. MLB reported that Wendelstedt was in good spirits and undergoing additional tests.
Following the accident, crew chief Todd Tichenor noted that Wendelstedt was responsive and hoped the injury was limited to stitches. The impact of the incident was felt throughout the field, with both teams expressing concern for Wendelstedt's well-being. While MLB requires base coaches to wear helmets since 2008, Tichenor did not believe umpires needed to wear them, attributing the incident to the speed and nature of the hit. Wendelstedt received medical attention from the Twins' staff and was able to walk off the field with assistance, prompting well wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery from players and coaches involved in the game.