Orioles’ Jorge Mateo in concussion protocol after odd in-game accident

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jorge Mateo has been placed in concussion protocol, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde told reporters Sunday following the team's 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Mateo, 28, left the game in the fourth inning and was replaced by pinch-hitter Ramon Urias after being struck in the head and neck area by the bat of teammate Cedric Mullins, who was warming up to lead off the inning in the on-deck circle.

Here's what happened to Mateo... pic.twitter.com/AJu65r9EWK

— Jason Benowitz (@jbenowitz1831) June 2, 2024

Mullins said he didn't know Mateo was in the vicinity.

"I was getting loose looking at the pitcher, and I did kind of like a circle stretch, just pretty normal stuff," Mullins said. "He was right behind me -- didn't even see him."

The fluky accident leaves Mateo in the protocol, wherein he'll have the opportunity to pass tests and return to action relatively quickly or be placed on the 7-day concussion injured list.

Mateo has appeared in 42 games for Baltimore this season, mostly playing second base but also seeing spot duty in centerfield and at shortstop. The fifth-year pro, who began his career with the San Diego Padres, is batting .246 this season with 13 RBI and 10 stolen bases.

Mateo was 1-for-1 with a single in his lone second-inning at-bat against the Rays.

--Field Level Media