Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt hit in face by line drive, undergoing tests

Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt exited Wednesday's game between the New York Mets and Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis after he was struck in the face by a line drive in the seventh inning.

Wendelstedt, 53, collapsed on the ground behind first base after being hit by a foul liner off the bat of Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor. The 28-year veteran was coherent and speaking, according to crew chief Todd Tichenor, and underwent concussion protocol.

After staying on the ground for a few moments as Twins medical staff tended to him, Wendelstedt rose and slowly walked off the field under his own power while holding a towel against the left side of his head.

"Hopefully it's just some stitches is what I'm thinking," Tichenor told a pool reporter after the Twins' 4-3 win.

Major League Baseball said in a statement that Wendelstedt was undergoing additional tests, adding that the league is "encouraged that he was in good spirits when he was in touch with our medical staff."

--Field Level Media