Phillies minor leaguer is rushed into surgery after suffering in-game 'medical emergency,' which saw him freeze and slump to the ground in front of startled coaches and teammates
Philadelphia Phillies minor leaguer Daniel Brito is recovering from a second surgery after suffering what his club referred to as a 'medical emergency' on Saturday in Rochester.
Brito, a 23-year-old third baseman for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, had surgery on Saturday night and Sunday but will continue 'undergoing further medical evaluation,' according to a team statement.
The incident occurred in the first inning of the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rochester Red Wings when Brito appeared to suffer a seizure, according to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.
Philadelphia Phillies minor leaguer Daniel Brito is recovering from a second surgery after suffering what his club referred to as a 'medical emergency' on Saturday in Rochester
The incident occurred in the first inning of the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rochester Red Wings when Brito appeared to suffer a seizure. Brito was quickly surrounded by teammates and coaches as well as Red Wings manager and former Minnesota Twins slugger Matthew LeCroy (in red). The group supported Brito as he slumped to the ground and quickly called for trainers. Brito was administered oxygen and remained on the infield turf for 20 minutes before an ambulance arrived and brought him to a local hospital
Iron Pigs coaches and players surround Brito after he collapsed on the turf in Rochester
Brito was quickly surrounded by teammates and coaches as well as Red Wings manager and former Minnesota Twins slugger Matthew LeCroy.
The group supported the native Venezuelan as he slumped to the ground and quickly called for trainers. Brito was administered oxygen and remained on the infield turf for 20 minutes before an ambulance arrived and brought him to a local hospital.
'I was having a conversation with a fan and looked up and saw Matt holding him and then saw the trainers come out so I went out to make sure everything was OK and see how we could help,' Red Wings general manager Dan Mason told the Democrat & Chronicle.
Afterwards the Red Wings players signed and framed a customized 'Brito' jersey for him
The left side of Brito's body became numb at some point and he had previously complained about a headache, a source told the Democrat & Chronicle, but there has not been any public diagnosis of his condition.
'He needs a lot of prayers. It's scary,' Phillies manager Joe Girardi told reporters on Sunday. 'It just shows you how precious everything is.'
The game was ultimately postponed after an hour delay.
Brito had singled in the top of the first inning, but made a mental mistake on the bases afterwards and was seen behind yelled at by Iron Pigs manager Gary Jones for the base-running error.
Afterwards the Red Wings players signed and framed a customized 'Brito' jersey for the third baseman.
'I wasn't in either clubhouse,' Mason said, 'but I think not only the players but everybody that was here in the stands is keeping the young man in our thoughts and prayers.'
Brito had played in only eight games since reaching Triple-A this season. He was originally signed out of Venezuela as a teenager during the 2014-15 international signing period, and won a minor league Gold Glove in 2018.
Brito had played in only eight games since reaching Triple-A this season. He was originally signed out of Venezuela as a teenager during the 2014-15 international signing period, and won a minor league Gold Glove in 2018