Frightening Collision Knocks Out Top MLB Prospect in His First Game

Bryan Buxton probably won't forget his first game in the minor leagues. The second pick in the 2012 draft, he was playing for the New Britain, Connecticut, Rock Cats, a Double-A team in the Minnesota Twins farm system.

On Wednesday, Buxton was called up to play for the Rock Cats.

Byron Buxton in CD for the @RockCats tonight. pic.twitter.com/RmKffubdOf

— Scott Blanchette (@ScottBPhoto8) August 13, 2014

In the top of the fifth inning, Buxton, playing center field, and right fielder Mike Kvasnicka were sprinting toward a sinking fly ball. Both players were running at full-speed when they collided. Kvasnicka actually made the catch a microsecond before the collision, holding onto the ball and recording the out.

Just before the collision. @RockCats Buxton going on backboard, ambulance on field. pic.twitter.com/5k6TH84WTI

— Scott Blanchette (@ScottBPhoto8) August 14, 2014

MLB.com reported that "Kvasnicka's knee appeared to hit Buxton near his left shoulder."

Both players collapsed on the field and Buxton was knocked unconscious. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and stabilized Buxton and Kvasnicka before transporting them to a local hospital.

The Rock Cats tweeted Wednesday that Buxton suffered a concussion and Kvasnicka a "sore hip."

Update Terry Ryan says Buxton has concussion. Kvasnicka sore hip

— New Britain RockCats (@RockCats) August 14, 2014

Terry Ryan -- mentioned in the tweet -- is the general manager of the Minnesota Twins.  He happened to be at the game and rode with Buxton to the hospital.

The New Britain Herald's Matt Straub tweeted that Buxton's concussion will keep him on the sidelines for approximately a week.

Buxton back in clubhouse..unavailable but ok...will be out 7 days at least Ryan says...they'd like him to play again this year.

— Matt Straub (@MattattheHerald) August 14, 2014

The game was suspended for about 30 minutes. After play resumed, the Rock Cats prevailed, beating the Bowie Bay Sox 8-5.

"Editor's note: This story has been corrected to note that Buxton was picked second in the 2012 draft, not the second-round pick."

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