Umpire Nick Mahrley taken off field after bat strikes his neck during Yankees vs. Rockies game
In a concerning incident during the New York Yankees versus Colorado Rockies game on Sunday, the home plate umpire had to be carted off the field after being hit in the neck by a broken bat.
This incident occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium while Nick Mahrley was officiating the game. Yankees player Giancarlo Stanton was at the plate when his bat splintered during a swing. A shard from the broken bat struck Mahrley directly in the neck area. He collapsed immediately, prompting Rockies catcher Drew Romo to rush over to offer help. Stanton also went over to check on Mahrley after recording a bloop hit during the same play.
Medical staff quickly arrived on the scene and assessed Mahrley’s condition. He was fitted with a neck brace and placed on a stretcher before being taken off the field. The Rockies shared supportive messages for Mahrley on social media.
After the incident, crew chief Marvin Hudson, positioned at first base, took over behind home plate, while second base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt moved to first base. Should Mahrley need time away to recover from this injury, the crew can call up part-time umpires from Triple-A as replacements.