Baltimore Orioles infielder Jorge Mateo suffered a concussion in a bizarre on-deck circle accident in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Mateo was hit in the back of the head by teammate Cedric Mullins' bat as he was getting ready to bat.
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jorge Mateo was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays after suffering a concussion in a bizarre on-deck circle accident. As Mateo was getting warmed up to enter the batter’s box, teammate Cedric Mullins reached down to grab something near his feet and accidentally hit Mateo in the back of the head with his bat. Mateo was visibly shaken by the incident and had to be helped off the field. He was immediately sent to the hospital for further evaluation, where he was diagnosed with a concussion.
Mullins appeared to be very concerned about his teammate after the incident. He said that he did not see Mateo behind him when he was swinging the bat.
"I was getting loose looking at the pitcher, and I did kind of like a circle stretch, just pretty normal stuff," Mullins said. "He was right behind me – didn't even see him."
Mateo did not appear in the rest of the game. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that Mateo was showing signs of improvement after the game, but they were still awaiting further test results.
"We’re just waiting to see," Hyde said. "Get some more tests and see how he feels tomorrow."
Initial reports suggest that Mateo is expected to make a full recovery, but he will be out of action for at least a few days. Mateo is hitting .246 with three homers and 10 RBIs this season.
The Orioles went on to lose the game to the Rays, 4-3, but the team is not expected to make any roster moves until they know more about Mateo's condition.
The Orioles are currently in second place in the American League East with a record of 37-20. They are scheduled to face the Rays again on Monday night.
The Orioles will need to fill the void left by Mateo's absence, but they have a number of players who can step up and contribute. Richie Martin is expected to start at shortstop in place of Mateo, and Ramon Urias could also see some time at the position.
The Orioles are hoping that Mateo can make a quick recovery and return to the lineup soon. He has been a valuable player for the team this season, and his absence will be felt.
