Just before the collision. @RockCats Buxton going on backboard, ambulance on field. pic.twitter.com/5k6TH84WTI
— Scott Blanchette (@ScottBPhoto8) August 14, 2014
The Minnesota Twins’ top minor league prospect, Byron Buxton, left his first game with the New Britain Rock Cats in an ambulance Wednesday night.
Buxton, who is considered one the top prospects in all of baseball, was playing center field for New Britain when he collided with right fielder Mike Kvasnicka as the two were diving for a ball in the outfield.
According to the Star Tribune, Twins general manager Terry Ryan says Buxton is ok, but has a concussion.
Terry Ryan on @RockCats radio says Byron Buxton is OK but has a concussion
— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 14, 2014
Buxton was released from the hospital, he did not suffer any broken bones in the collision.
RT @Jake_Seiner: .@RockCats manager Jeff Smith said Byron Buxton was back at field after game, walking around, seemed okay.
— Tyler Mason (@tylermason21) August 14, 2014
Hartford Courant sports writer Dom Amore said Buxton was parallel to the ground when his neck or left shoulder appeared to violently collide with Kvasnicka’s knee.
Told Buxton was knocked out in collision with teammate, but was conscious and talking as he was taken off the field.
— Dom Amore (@AmoreCourant) August 14, 2014
Not good. @RockCats Buxton and Kvasnicka collide, both diving. Both still down minutes later. Calling for cart. pic.twitter.com/Yl5rbQxIXz
— Scott Blanchette (@ScottBPhoto8) August 14, 2014
Buxton was just promoted from Class A Ft. Myers to Class AA New Britain on Tuesday. He had been dealing with a wrist injury for most of the season.
According to 1500 ESPN, the game was halted for more than 30 minutes. Players gathered with New Britain manager Jeff Smith in front of dugouts for a prayer.
The Pioneer Press reports Kvasnicka, a Lakeville and University of Minnesota product, was also injured. He was able to get up, but was taken to the hospital with Buxton. They were accompanied by Rock Cats athletic trainer Chris Johnson.
Buxton led off for the Rock Cats and started in center field. He was 0-for-3, with three strikeouts prior to the collision.
