Gausman leaves game in second after collision

SARASOTA, Fla. — Well, this isn’t how the Orioles drew up Monday’s exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers – Orioles starter Kevin Gausman leaving in the second inning due to a freak injury after appearing to smash his head against the leg/knee of a Detroit Tiger.

Having already allowed two runs in the second inning, Gausman ran to back up a play behind home plate.

Adam Jones threw to the plate and catcher Chance Sisco jumped to catch the ball and just missed tagging a sliding Jason Krizan, who scored the Tigers’ third run.

Once the dust settled, Gausman was on the ground behind home plate, apparently having collided with Detroit’s Jeimer Candelario, who had been on – or around — the on-deck circle.

Head athletic trainer Brian Ebel rushed out, and Gausman sat up, but remained sitting on the field behind the plate for several minutes as Ebel conducted brief concussion tests. Ultimately, Gausman walked off on his own power to the dugout and was replaced by pitcher Matt Wotherspoon.

In between innings, Gausman left the stadium with Ebel on a cart. The pitcher was holding a towel against the left side of his face and forehead while in the cart.

While Gausman was down, Candelario was in the on-deck circle stretching out his right leg. He walked later in the inning, but ended up coming out for a pinch runner.

The Tigers scored five runs in the inning, all charged to Gausman, who gave up six hits and a walk in 1 1/3 innings.

But the real concern is Gausman’s health and the lasting effect of a weird collision.