Twins prospect LaMonte Wade suffers concussion in scary AFL collision

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect LaMonte Wade was briefly hospitalized on Saturday night after being injured in a violent collision with Surprise Saguaros teammate Oscar Mercado.

According to MiLB.com’s Gerard Gilberto, Wade sustained a blow to the “head and neck area” during the Arizona Fall League’s Military Appreciation Game that left trainers and teammates concerned. It’s reported Wade never lost consciousness on the field and was able to move all extremities. Wade was stabilized and taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Wade was diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms and discharged later Saturday evening.

Wade should consider himself a lucky man. The scary scene played out during the second inning. Austin Riley of the Peoria Javelinas hit a fly ball that both outfielders had a chance at, but was a much easier play for center fielder Mercado. Replays show Mercado under the ball when Wade dives into the picture, crashing head and neck first into Mercado’s hip.

Both players remained down initially. Wade stayed down until a stretcher was brought out.

Here’s a look at the play, though we warn you again that it’s a difficult to watch.

Wade is ranked as the Twins’ No. 17 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He’s hitting .238 with two homers in 63 AFL after hitting .292/.397/.408 with seven homers in 117 games at Double-A Chattanooga.

Being sent to the AFL typically means your home club has hopes for a player contributing to the big league club sooner than later. The 23-year-old was hoping to use the AFL as a springboard to that opportunity. Hopefully, Wade will make a quick recovery so he can continue his push.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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