Twins' Gonzalez expected to play in doubleheader after collision

Minnesota Twins infielder Marwin Gonzalez was removed from Friday's game against the Detroit Tigers following a dangerous-looking collision at first base with Niko Goodrum.

After Gonzalez hit a ground ball up the middle that deflected off Tigers starter Tyson Ross, the pitcher hurled a high throw towards Goodrum at first. As Goodrum leaped to make a play, his outstretched leg hit Gonzalez in the head.

Gonzalez fell to the ground and was immediately attended to by Twins' medical staff before exiting the game.

"It all happened so fast," Gonzalez said after the game, according to MLB.com's Do-Hyoung Park. "I thought for a second that the pitcher hit me with the ball on my helmet. But it was the first baseman."

Gonzalez cleared concussion protocol and was diagnosed with a facial contusion on Friday.

"I was hoping that my face was OK, that it wasn't broken," Gonzalez said. "I took my time to answer (head athletic trainer) Tony (Leo) when he got there. I was breathing hard for 10 seconds, and I figured I was OK."

After Gonzalez underwent further examination Saturday, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said no further issues surfaced with the infielder and he hopes to play in the night game of Saturday's doubleheader between the Twins and Tigers, according to Park.