First base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt left Wednesday’s Mets-Twins game in Minneapolis after taking a rocket of a foul ball off the side of his head in the top of the seventh inning.
Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor hit the ball that knocked Wendelstedt down to the ground for several minutes as first base coach Antoan Richardson immediately called for help when the umpire got hit. Wendelstedt later got to his feet and was assisted off the field.
Wendelstedt was “in good spirits” and undergoing additional testing at a local hospital on Wednesday, according to an MLB spokesman.
He was “coherent, speaking,” according to crew chief Todd Tichenor.
“That was scary,” Mets manager Mendoza said after the Mets’ 10-inning loss. “Briefly I asked as soon as the game was over. Every time you see something like that, it’s just scary. So I’m glad that he’s doing well. Praying for him.”
The incident occurred a half inning after Wendelstedt missed a call at first that cost the Mets a run.
Pete Alonso made a throw to reliever Jose Butto, who beat Willi Castro to the bag.
Hunter Wendelstedt is hit in the head by a foul ball on April 16, 2025. X/SNY
Hunter Wendelstedt being attended to by medical staff after being hit in the head by a foul ball on April 16, 2025. AP
Hunter Wendelstedt walks off the field after being hit in the head by a foul ball on April 16, 2025. APHowever, Wendelstedt called Castro safe and Butto expressed his frustration, which allowed Ryan Jeffers to score to put Minnesota up 3-0.
Replay showed Castro was clearly out, but the Mets had used their challenge earlier in the game.
