SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Twins outfield prospect LaMonte Wade was treated for a concussion and released from a local hospital after being involved in a scary collision with Cardinals outfielder Oscar Mercado in right-center field during the second inning of the Arizona Fall League Military Appreciation Game on Saturday. Wade, who was playing right field for the Surprise Saguaros, was able to return to the stadium before the end of the game, which the Saguaros lost to the Peoria Javelinas, 11-10.
Braves prospect Austin Riley hit a ball into the right-center-field gap and Wade, the Twins' No. 17 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, and Mercado collided at full speed. Mercado managed to hold onto the ball for the third out of the inning, but he remained on the ground for several minutes before staying in the game.
After a lengthy delay, Wade was carried off on a stretcher and managed to give a thumbs-up to the crowd on his way out of the stadium. According to a Fall League spokesperson, Wade never lost consciousness, and he had his head and neck area stabilized before being taken to the hospital. X-rays were negative, and a full recovery is expected.
Wade, 23, hit .292 in 117 games with Double-A Chattanooga this season and is hitting .238 through 19 games in the Arizona Fall League.