Joey Wendle‘s first Grapefruit League game lasted less than a full inning Monday, as the Tampa Bay Rays second baseman left the game against the Minnesota Twins after being hit on the helmet by a pitch from Twins starter Lewis Thorpe.
Wendle is hit on the helmet by a Lewis Thorpe pitch. Currently being looked at by Kevin Cash and head trainer Joe Benge. #Rays
— Steve Carney (@stevecarney) March 1, 2021
Manager Kevin Cash and head trainer Joe Benge were out to check on Wendle immediately after the incident, and the second baseman left for the clubhouse under his own power accompanied by Benge at the end of the half-inning.
Minor-leaguer Xavier Edwards pinch-ran and remained in the game at second base.
UPDATE 2:08 pm: The Rays said Wendle was diagnosed with a facial contusion, and that he passed concussion testing.