An MLB umpire was hospitalized following an incident in which he was struck by a foul ball.

Abbie Parr / AP

Veteran umpire Hunter Wendelstedt was taken to a hospital for further evaluation on Wednesday after being struck in the face by a foul line drive behind first base in Minnesota. Crew chief Todd Tichenor, who officiated home plate during the Twins' 4-3 win over the New York Mets, informed a pool reporter post-game that Wendelstedt was alert and communicating but was undergoing concussion protocols. “I’m hoping it’s just a matter of some stitches,” Tichenor remarked. Major League Baseball confirmed that Wendelstedt was receiving additional tests. “We are pleased to report that he was in good spirits when he communicated with our medical team,” MLB stated. “We will keep monitoring his condition.” The incident caused concern among all players on the field, regardless of their team affiliation. “It made us all pause and reflect,” Tichenor noted. “That was a solid hit to the head. It was frightening.” Wendelstedt collapsed immediately after being struck by a line drive from Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor in the seventh inning. Both Taylor and Twins pitcher Louis Varland reacted with distress upon witnessing the impact on Wendelstedt, who is in his 28th season as a major league umpire. The 53-year-old remained on the ground for a few minutes while receiving assistance from the Twins' medical staff but was eventually able to walk off the field unaided, holding a towel to the left side of his head. Second base umpire Adam Hamari took over at first base for the remainder of the game. “It all happened so quickly,” said Twins first baseman Ty France.

An MLB umpire was hospitalized following an incident in which he was struck by a foul ball.We’re just hoping for a swift recovery for him because no one wants to see something like that occur.” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli also expressed his concern. “I want to extend my best wishes and let him know we’re all thinking of him,” Baldelli said. “I was relieved to see him walk off the field on his own. That was certainly better than the alternative. We hope he’s alright.”