Umpire Culbreth leaves game after Ohtani foul ball off mask
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Home plate umpire Fieldin Culbreth has left the Los Angeles Angels' game against the Houston Astros after a foul ball from Shohei Ohtani hit him in the mask.
Culbreth left in the third inning Tuesday night.
Ohtani's foul off a 99-mph fastball from Gerrit Cole made an audible hit on the mask of Culbreth, who was visibly shaken. Culbreth grabbed on to Houston catcher Brian McCann, and the Angels' training staff immediately came out to help.
Culbreth eventually walked off the field. The 55-year-old ump has been in the majors since 1993, appearing in two World Series and calling many playoff games.
CB Bucknor moved from second base to replace Culbreth behind the plate. Los Angeles led Houston 2-0.
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