Watch: Benches clear in Pirates-White Sox game after violent collision at home plate
Benches cleared during Sunday's game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox after a violent home-plate collision that forced one player to be helped off the field with an ugly leg injury.
Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz was attempting to score on a hit by teammate Ke'Bryan Hayes when he collided with White Sox catcher Seby Zavala. Cruz's leg appeared to bend awkwardly beneath him while attempting to slide and made hard contact with the legs of Zavala, who tagged Cruz on the slide.
Cruz fractured his left ankle on the play, according to Pirates manager Derek Shelton.
The 24-year-old Cruz, who made his MLB debut in 2021, writhed in pain after the collision. Pirates designated hitter Carlos Santana approached Zavala after the out was recorded and the benches as well as both bullpens cleared.
There were no ejections during the altercation between the teams.
Cruz is considered one of the most promising young infielders in baseball. At 6-foot-7, Cruz became the tallest shortstop in history and was clocked at nearly 98 mph on a throw to first base last season.