During Monday’s game between the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Guardians, left fielder Tyler O’Neill had to leave the game in the eighth inning after colliding with third baseman Rafael Devers. The incident occurred as both players were trying to catch a shallow popup. While Devers managed to make the catch, O’Neill collided with him, causing both of them to fall to the ground.
As O’Neill sat up, he was holding his face, while Devers remained face down. The team’s athletic trainer and manager, Alex Cora, rushed onto the field to check on them. O’Neill was given a towel to hold against his face as he walked off the field, while Devers appeared to be uninjured and stayed in the game.
After the game, Cora mentioned that O’Neill had a large gash on his forehead and required eight stitches. He would be going through the concussion protocol to ensure there were no further injuries. While Devers stated that he felt fine, he too would undergo the concussion protocol as a precaution.
In response to O’Neill’s exit, David Hamilton came in to play shortstop, Rafaela moved to center field, and Duran shifted from center to left field to accommodate the changes in the lineup. Despite the unfortunate collision, the Red Sox were hoping for a swift recovery for O’Neill and Devers after the incident.
The Red Sox were saddened by the injury of Tyler O’Neill but were grateful that Rafael Devers seemed okay. After being treated by medical staff at Fenway Park, O’Neill was rushed off-field on crutches with an ice pack on his head.
As they watched from home plate during Tuesday night’s series opener against Cleveland at Fenway Park