Minnesota Twins’ Gomez hurt making
catch
(Wire) - Minnesota Twins center fielder
Carlos Gomez was immobilized and taken from the field on a cart after
crashing into the padded wall while making a spectacular catch in the
first inning of Friday night’s game against the Cleveland Indians.
After a long run, Gomez jumped as he neared the wall and caught Ben
Francisco’s drive before slamming into it on his right side. He crumpled
on the warning track and, while in obvious pain, shoveled the ball to
left fielder Delmon Young. As Gomez writhed around grabbing his lower
back, Sizemore tagged up and scored all the way from second base.
Gomez remained on the ground for several minutes and was attended to by
trainers for both teams before being placed on a backboard and lifted
onto a cart.
The Twins said the 22-year-old has a lower back injury. He was taken to
Lutheran Hospital for further tests, and the team reported he has full
movement and feeling in his arms and legs.
Gomez was acquired along with three pitchers in the trade that sent
Johan Santana to the New York Mets on Feb. 2. Gomez came in batting .248
with five homers, 33 RBIs and a team-high 21 stolen bases.
He was replaced in center by Denard Span, who moved over from right.
Moments later, Span spookily crashed into the wall only feet from where
Gomez hit it while trying to catch Kelly Shoppach’s shot. Span couldn’t
hold on as he made contact and Shoppach wound up with a two-run double
to put Cleveland ahead 4-0.
Span limped back to his position and stayed in the game.
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