In a shocking moment during the MLB game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays on May 12 (May 13 in Japan), the home plate umpire was hit in the right knee area by a pitch, causing him to collapse and remain on the ground for several moments.
The incident occurred in the top of the sixth inning with the Rays leading 3-0, two outs, and a runner on third base. Left-handed hitter Jonathan Aranda was at the plate. With a 2-0 count, Blue Jays catcher Carlos Vallenuela set up on the outer half of the plate. However, right-hander Nance’s 95.2 mph (approximately 153.2 km/h) sinker veered inside, missing the catcher’s glove and striking the umpire’s right knee. The ball deflected toward first base, and it was ruled a wild pitch, allowing the runner from third to score.
The umpire immediately fell to the ground and struggled to get up for several moments. Blue Jays catcher Vallenuela quickly signaled to the dugout, and trainers rushed to the field to assist. Fortunately, the umpire appeared to avoid serious injury, and the game continued without further interruption. The stadium was left in suspense during the tense scene.
