Due to friendly fire, Los Angeles Angels pitcher Chase Silseth had to leave Saturday’s contest against the New York Mets early.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, when the Mets’ Francisco Lindor was forced to attempt to steal third base, first baseman Trey Cabbage fired across the field to try and catch him. Silseth was struck on the back of the head. After the ball bounced off Silseth’s head, Lindor advanced safely to third and scored. An error in throwing was determined.
With runners at first and second base, the play began. Lindor, who was on second base, gained a significant lead as Silseth struck out Daniel Vogelbach of the Mets, forcing Jeff McNeil to advance to second base. Logan O’Hoppe, the Angels’ catcher, made the perplexing choice to throw the ball to first base with Lindor and McNeil close to second base, probably believing that McNeil would try to run back.
But Lindor sprinted for third while McNeil remained in second. Cabbage attempted to catch him by throwing the ball across the infield, but instead hit Silseth in the back of the head. After being struck, Silseth collapsed to the ground and clenched his skull.
Due to the throwing error, McNeil moved all the way up to third without an out being recorded. Eventually, Silseth was accompanied by assistance as he left the field.
Silseth was conscious and speaking, according to Angels manager Phil Nevin. The pitcher was brought to a nearby hospital for examination.
Nevin declared, “Scary moment for sure.”
After being struck by a pitch from José Soriano of the Angels in the eighth inning, star first baseman Pete Alonso of the Mets was forced to leave the game. Alonso was struck by an 86 mph curveball from Soriano on the first pitch.
The benches were cleared after Alonso and O’Hoppe spoke when he stood up from the ground, but nothing further developed.
O’Hoppe explained, “I was just attempting to diffuse the situation. We’re not trying to hit him, I informed him.
Following his removal, Alonso completed the concussion protocol.
Nevin stated, “I’ve seen a lot of Mets games. Pete has had many challenges, and I completely understand that. Any situation will slightly agitate you if you frequently ascend.
5-3 was the score in the Angels’ favor.