Kevin Gausman was forced to leave Monday's game against the Detroit Tigers after a freak collision with opposing on-deck hitter Jeimer Candelario while backing up a throw to home.
The Baltimore Orioles starter reportedly hit his head against Candelario's leg, per Dan Connolly from Baltimore Baseball. The collision went mostly unnoticed due to a close play at home when Tigers baserunner Jason Krizan scored after catcher Caleb Joseph missed a tag.
There's some confusion over where Gausman hit his head, with the pitcher saying he believes he hit Candelario's helmet.
Gausman has about an inch cut near his left eye. Thinks he hit Candelario’s helmet brim. Gausman said he’s fine. Jokes he like he was in a bar fight. pic.twitter.com/Ow2ZX0cIZd
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) February 26, 2018
It was the third run Gausman allowed in the inning. The 27-year-old right-hander finished his day giving up five earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two over 1 1/3 innings.
Candelario was flexing his leg following the collision, but still made his plate appearance. After taking a walk and making it to second base on James McCann's single, the 24-year-old third baseman was lifted for a pinch runner.
After sitting up, head athletic trainer Brian Ebel conducted a brief concussion test. Gausman then walked off the field under his own power and was removed from the game. At the end of the inning, Gausman and Ebel left the stadium on a cart with Gausman holding a towel to his head.
