New York Mets first baseman Jared Young was hospitalized following a violent on-field collision with pitcher Nolan McLean during a September game at Citi Field. Young sustained real concussion symptoms but retains full use of his extremities after CT scans returned negative results, according to the team.
The scene unfolded in the top of the sixth inning during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field, when Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford hit a slow roller a few feet inside the first base line. Confusion broke out as both first baseman Jared Young and pitcher Nolan McLean converged on the ball. Young got to the bag as the ball was approaching and stretched for it while trying to keep his foot on the bag, while McLean reached down for the ball at the same time. As McLean scrambled in pursuit of it, his right knee slammed directly into the side of Young’s head, knocking his teammate to the dirt.
Young fell to the dirt and appeared to be knocked unconscious, lying motionless for some time while Mets trainers rushed to assist him. Eventually, a group of paramedics carted him off the field. As he departed, Young gave the crowd a thumbs-up gesture, indicating he had regained consciousness.
Hospital Updates and Concussion Diagnosis
Transported to a local hospital for emergency evaluation, Young underwent a CT scan that came back negative. While interim manager Andy Green confirmed that Young was exhibiting concussion symptoms in the hospital Thursday evening, medical evaluations brought positive news regarding his mobility.
“As good as could be expected, or hoped for, given what we saw last night. All the tests that were ran, we got the right kind of results… Everything we have heard has been really optimistic from the recovery standpoint. I’m relieved, I think everybody is… All in all about as good as we could have hoped for.”
Andy Green, interim manager
Green noted that Young has full use of his extremities and expressed relief that the team is optimistic Young has avoided the scariest outcomes.
Following the evaluation, the Mets officially placed Young on the concussion injured list and recalled infielder Ronny Mauricio in a corresponding roster move.
Teammate Reactions and Clubhouse Impact
The collision left visible emotional weight across the Mets clubhouse following their 3-0 loss to the Phillies. Shortstop Francisco Lindor described the terrifying nature of seeing a teammate unresponsive on the turf.
“It was scary, man. It was scary to sit there and just know that he wasn’t with us in that moment. He was just somewhere else.”
Francisco Lindor, shortstop
Lindor praised Young’s consistency and presence in the lineup, calling him one of the most respected and loved teammates on the roster. At 31 years old, Young has been a pleasant surprise for the Mets this season, batting .266 with a .759 OPS over 103 games, or .266/.330/.429 with nine homers across 342 plate appearances, while serving on the strong side of a first-base platoon.
Pitcher Response and Roster Adjustments
Following the accidental collision, McLean returned to the mound to strike out Garrett Stubbs for the third out of the inning before Green removed him from the game. Green said he regretted keeping him in even that long, admitting postgame that he questioned his decision to let McLean face another batter.
In a quiet postgame clubhouse, McLean requested not to speak to the media due to his emotional state. Green defended his pitcher as a heck of a person and a great competitor while acknowledging the heavy human element of the accident.
This will surely end Young’s season — even a minimal stint on the concussion list would keep him out until the final weekend. With Young sidelined, Mark Vientos replaced Young on defense and finished 1-for-2, and Young’s absence should afford Vientos more opportunities alongside Brett Baty, who started at second base on Thursday and is likely to be used frequently at first base against right-handed pitchers.
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