Security guard in Astros dugout struck by foul ball, in stable condition

Play in Game 2 of the ALCS between the Houston Astros and New York Yankees was briefly halted in the fifth inning when a foul ball off the bat of Michael Brantley struck a security guard in the Astros dugout, according to Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest.

The security guard was escorted into the Astros clubhouse by training staff while holding a towel to his face, according to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe.

There was no immediate update on the exact nature of his injuries. Harris County Emergency Corp., the guard's employer, said in a statement that the guard was immediately taken to a local hospital, where he was evaluated and is currently in stable condition, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

Minute Maid Park - which had been rocking in the aftermath of George Springer's game-tying home run - turned silent almost immediately. Members of the Astros were seen holding their heads in their hands while play was stopped.

Brantley was visibly shaken on the field, and only returned to the batter's box after manager A.J. Hinch came out onto the field to comfort him. He was able to finish the at-bat.

Over the past few seasons, there has been an uptick in fan injuries caused by foul balls entering the stands, including one notable incident in Houston earlier this year that involved a small child. As a result, multiple teams have committed to extending the protective netting down each foul line, with some clubs debuting added protection in the middle of this year.

However, dugouts are generally not protected by netting, and players will often line up to watch the game on the top step, leaving themselves vulnerable to injury.