The result of Thursday’s series opener against the Phillies wasn’t on the minds of the Mets. All they could think about was the health of Jared Young.
The first baseman took a knee from Nolan McLean on a dribbler down the first base line, which left Young motionless on the ground for a few moments before he was carted away.
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Interim manager Andy Green gave a positive update on Young’s condition, saying he was responsive and doing well in the hospital. He underwent CT scans and the results came back negative, but the Mets skipper could not understate how he felt in that moment.
“It was really scary. Since he’s got to the hospital, he’s had a CT scan and the results have come back negative,” Green said. “Still experiencing real concussion symptoms right now. Likely avoided the scariest outcome. It was a terrifying moment on the baseball field.”
Green said his thoughts immediately go to Young’s family and teammates.
“When you see a collision like that and you get out there quick, and there’s not much going on, those are very scary moments,” Green said. “Thankful he’s showing really good signs right now and doing well at the hospital. Thankful for the paramedics and everybody that came on the field so quickly for taking care of him. Thoughts and prayers to Julia and the rest of his family.”
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McLean was not available to the media following the game, but Green said the young right-hander was shaken by the play.
“Knew it was a really bad collision. Still was willing to go back out the next inning,” Green said of McLean. “Didn’t feel that was in his best interest at that point in time. Probably should have made a better position to not let him get the next hitter.
“He was still strong enough to do it and got back out there and did it. He’s a heck of a person. He’s a great competitor. But the humanity hit him pretty hard there too.”
McLean said he was capable of pitching both mentally and physically. Once he got on the mound and took some warm-up throws, he felt good enough and struck out Garrett Stubbs to get through the sixth.
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“It’s scary to see one of our brothers, one of the most respected and loved teammates that we have here, like that,” Francisco Lindor said. “And then seeing another great teammate say, ‘man this is not good. I hit him with my knee.’ Life is bigger than this game, for sure. Seeing him not reacting and the trainer holding his neck. It’s scary. It’s a scary moment. You can only think about how quick life can get out of his hands. You think about his family and everyone else here. Thoughts and prayers to him and his family…Tough moment. It’s scary. Respect for Nolan to gather himself and finish the inning.”
Young, 31, had become the everyday first baseman with his play this season. In 102 games this season, he slashed .268/.332/.431 (.764 OPS) and became a fixture in the lineup and in the clubhouse.
How Young’s teammates speak about him and the somber atmosphere after the game show how much they respect and care for Young.
“He’s a guy who is always happy, is the same person no matter what,” Lindor said of Young. “He posts up whether he’s playing or not. He’s there, he’s consistent. He’s somebody we all respect and appreciate and have love for him. He’s been a big part of our team this whole year. Probably one of the better hitters on our team. Can only imagine what he is going through right now and his family as well.”
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