There were some worrying scenes during Sunday’s game between the New York Yankees and Colorado Rockies. Although the Yankees enjoyed a 3-10 win, with Aaron Judge hitting 2 home runs to secure his spot in the 50 Home Run Club for a third time, focus was pulled away from the game due to a medical concern for umpire Nick Mahrley.

During the fifth inning, Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton hit a single to left field. However, his bat shattered in the process and the barrel struck Mahrley on the left side of his mask. Understandably, those who saw Mahrley immediately fall to the ground were concerned for his welfare, and the umpire was attended to by training staff before being stretchered off. 

It has since been confirmed that Mahrley has suffered from a concussion and will undergo further tests. As such, he is no longer able to work on his next assigned series. 

Stanton was asked about the situation after the game and noted, “We're all hoping for the best with Nick. He’s got a tough job back there. It’s not easy. You’ve got both benches yelling at you throughout the game on ball and strikes. You’re trying to do your best, and to get squared up on the side of the head with the bat, it’s tough”.

Following Mahrley’s exit from the game, crew chief Marvin Hudson stepped in to take over behind the plate while second base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt was moved from second to first base.