Boston left fielder Tyler O'Neill had to leave Monday's game against the Cleveland Guardians in the eighth inning after colliding with third baseman Rafael Devers when the two were chasing a shallow pop up.
Devers made the catch as O'Neill collided with him at the top of the seventh. The pair went to the ground. O'Neill held his face as he sat up, and Devers was face down as a trainer and Red Sox manager Alex Cora raced onto the field.
Cora called for a towel, that O'Neill held to his face as he walked off. Devers walked off, not appearing to be injured. He stayed in the game.
David Hamilton came in to play shortstop, with Ceddanne Rafaela moving to center and Jarren Duran moving from center to left.
After the Guardians spoiled Boston's Patriot Day celebration with a 6-0 away win, Cora told reporters that O'Neill received eight stitched above his left eye and went through concussion protocols.
Red Sox outfielder Tyler O'Neill clashed heads with teammate Rafael Devers in the seventh inning of Boston's 6-0 home loss to the Cleveland Guards on Patriots Day
O'Neill needed eight stitches above his eye but no blood was visible right after the collision
The trainers ran out to check on Tyler O’Neill and Rafael Devers after this collision
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) April 15, 2024
Hope both are alright. pic.twitter.com/OascOMaRXm
Tyler O’Neill received 8 stitches after his collision with Rafael Devers in today’s game. Both players are under concussion protocol.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 15, 2024
(via @NESN)pic.twitter.com/ZWtjd7vMwJ
He'll be re-evaluated on Tuesday. Devers is expected to be back in the Red Sox's lineup on Tuesday for the team's second game against Cleveland. Both teams face off as part of a four-game series until Friday.
O'Neill, 28, has been one of Boston's most productive hitters early on this season. Coming into Monday's game, he had averaged .304/.448/.761 and seven homers.
He went 1 for 2 with a walk before departing the field with injury.
The Red Sox acquired O'Neill this past offseason from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitchers Victor Santos and Nick Robertson.
He'll be a free agent in 2025.
