MEXICO CITY — New York Yankees outfielder Oscar Gonzalez suffered a right orbital fracture Monday night, the team announced.
Gonzalez was taken to the hospital after fouling a ball off his face during an exhibition game in Mexico against the Diablos Rojos. During the game, the Yankees said Gonzalez was treated at the ballpark for a right eye contusion by team physician Dr. Carlos Smith and Dr. Elisa Saleme, the head physician assigned to the two-game series.
The club confirmed the diagnosis after the game, adding that the veteran would remain in the hospital overnight before undergoing tests Tuesday. Double-A trainer Brandon Rodriguez was staying with Gonzalez at Centro Medico ABC in Mexico City, the team said.
Gonzalez got jammed on an inside pitch. The ball ricocheted off the handle of his bat directly up into his face, knocking off his helmet. He was sitting upright as he was driven off the field in a cart.
The outfielder was part of New York’s split squad playing a two-game series across the border at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced earlier Monday that Gonzalez, 26, was reassigned to the minors. Gonzalez spent last season with the Cleveland Guardians, hitting .214 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 54 games.
Information from Field Level Media and the Associated Press was used in this report.
