Mets' David Wright Struck in Helmet, Suffers Concussion

Mets third baseman David Wright was struck in the helmet with a 94-mile-per-hour fastball thrown by San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain during the fourth inning of Saturday's game. Video available on MLB.com.

Wright was taken to the clubhouse, and rushed onto an ambulance bound for Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. CT scan results were negative, according to the New York Times.

After being struck, Wright laid motionless on his stomach on the ground while trainers rushed to test his vital signs, as a hush ran over the crowd at Citi Field. The nationally televised game broadcast on Fox showed footage of the ambulance outside the stadium.

Associated Press reports that Wright is scheduled to spend a precautionary night in the hospital. He remains day-to-day. Fernando Tatis will take his place in the meantime.

The hit-by-pitch came in the bottom of the 4th inning in a scoreless game. The Mets scored once later in that inning, but the Giants fought back with 4 runs. In the 8th inning, the Mets clawed their way back, tying up the game 4-4, knocking Cain out of the game. The battle lasted until the top of the 10th, when Giants catcher Bengie Molina knocked a home run into the left field bleachers. Giants closer Brian Wilson shut out the game for the save. Sunday's rubber match in the series begins at 1:10 EST.

The Mets fell to a 54-62 record while the 63-53 Giants turned their win into a half-game on the idle wildcard leader, the Colorado Rockies, victims of a rainout postponement. Wright's injury sidelines their best player in another disappointing season. The Phillies look destined to repeat their run towards the National League pennant.

The Giants have struggled ever since the All-Star Break to remain in the wildcard race. They are neck and neck with the Colorado Rockies, who lead the wildcard race by one game. However, the Dodgers are leaving the door open in the National League West after losing 7 of their last 10 games. The Dodgers had their own scare in Saturday's game when a line drive off the bat of Arizona's Rusty Ryal struck Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda in the head, and he too suffered a concussion.

Those balls are sure lively in the dog days of August. Baseball managers everywhere are counting the days until September call-ups, when they are able to expand their rosters and give some players a much-needed rest.

MLB.com, "Wright hit in head, suffers concussion"
NY Times, "As if in a Bad Dream, Mets' Wright is struck down"
Associated Press, "Wright beaned in fourth inning by Cain's pitch"