Marlins infielder Miguel Rojas was forced to leave Thursday's game against the Pirates after Pittsburgh shortstop Oneil Cruz inadvertently knocked his tooth out.
The incident occurred midway through the top of the ninth inning, when Marlins catcher Nick Fortes attempted to catch Cruz stealing second. Though Rojas was able to make the tag for the out — the call was upheld after a review — Cruz knocked his tooth out as he made contact with the former's mouth with the top of his helmet.
Video of the play shows Rojas immediately walking away from the base while pointing to his mouth. It appears Cruz reached out to Rojas following the play, as well.
Here's a video of the incident, in which you can see Rojas' tooth flying out of his mouth.
Miggy Ro gets popped by Oniel Cruz's helmet and has to leave the game. pic.twitter.com/8ZOW0fGXNe
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) July 14, 2022
Rojas' exit forced the Marlins to reshuffle their infield a second time, as second baseman Jon Berti exited the game earlier after a groin issue. Per a report from CBS, Rojas could be sent in to be tested for concussion to determine his status of Miami's upcoming three-game series vs. the Phillies.
Rojas ultimately finished the game 1-for-4 at the plate. Pittsburgh ended the inning without a score, sending the game to extra innings tied 1-1.
