NEW YORK -- Mets first baseman Jared Young was carted off the field Thursday after being struck in the head by pitcher Nolan McLean while both players were attempting to cover first base. There was no immediate word as to Young’s condition.
Young was playing first base in the sixth inning at Citi Field when Justin Crawford hit a slow roller toward the bag, creating some confusion as to whether he or McLean would field the ball. As McLean scrambled in pursuit of it, his leg slammed into Young’s head, knocking his teammate to the turf.
Young lay motionless for some time as Mets trainers scrambled to assist him. Eventually, members of the medical team carted Young off the field. He flashed a thumbs-up to the crowd as he departed, indicating that he was conscious.
The Mets said Young had feeling in his extremities. He was taken to a hospital for further examination.
Young has been a pleasant surprise for the Mets this season, batting .266 with a .759 OPS over 103 games while serving mostly as the team’s everyday first baseman. If healthy, he has a strong chance to reprise that role next season.
Mark Vientos replaced Young on defense following his departure.