Veteran umpire Gonzalez exits Padres-Reds game due to heat exhaustion
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CINCINNATI -- Monday's series opener between the Reds and Padres was delayed for several minutes before the start of the fifth inning after home-plate umpire Manny Gonzalez appeared to have medical distress.
According to MLB umpire supervisor Randy Marsh, Gonzalez left due to heat exhaustion. It was a hot and muggy evening in Cincinnati, with first-pitch temperatures officially at 90 degrees at Great American Ball Park.
According to Mike Petraglia on X, Gonzalez received treatment for elevated blood pressure and dehydration. Gonzalez's blood pressure has been restored to normal levels and he is resting comfortably.
As the Reds took the field for the top of the fifth, Gonzalez appeared to be having trouble. Third-base umpire Tom Hanahan came over, followed by Reds head trainer Sean McQueeney and members of the Reds' and Padres' medical staffs.
Soon, Gonzalez took a seat on the grass as he was being evaluated. A medical cart was requested, but he was eventually able to get up and walk off the field with Reds assistant trainer Tomas Vera.
The game resumed after a 14-minute delay with the three remaining umpires on the field. First-base umpire D.J. Reyburn took over for Gonzalez behind the plate. Gonzalez, now in his 14th season, was promoted to the Major League staff for the 2013 season, and he became the first full-time MLB umpire from Venezuela. He has worked in five postseason series, as well as the 2017 All-Star Game.