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

Field Level Media|published: Wed 16th April, 18:52 2025

MLB: Spring Training-Tampa Bay Rays at New York Mets

Mar 17, 2025; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt (21) runs to third base during the seventh inning between the New York Mets and the Tampa Bay Rays at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

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