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Twins' Gomez hurt making catch

By TOM WITHERS Associated Press Writer

Jul 25th, 2008 | CLEVELAND -- Minnesota Twins center fielder Carlos Gomez was immobilized and taken from the field on a cart after crashing into the padded wall while making a spectacular catch in the first inning of Friday night's game against the Cleveland Indians.

After a long run, Gomez jumped as he neared the wall and caught Ben Francisco's drive before slamming into it on his right side. He crumpled on the warning track and, while in obvious pain, shoveled the ball to left fielder Delmon Young. As Gomez writhed around grabbing his lower back, Sizemore tagged up and scored all the way from second base.

Gomez remained on the ground for several minutes and was attended to by trainers for both teams before being placed on a backboard and lifted onto a cart.

The Twins said the 22-year-old has a lower back injury. He was taken to Lutheran Hospital for further tests, and the team reported he has full movement and feeling in his arms and legs.

Gomez was acquired along with three pitchers in the trade that sent Johan Santana to the New York Mets on Feb. 2. Gomez came in batting .248 with five homers, 33 RBIs and a team-high 21 stolen bases.

He was replaced in center by Denard Span, who moved over from right. Moments later, Span spookily crashed into the wall only feet from where Gomez hit it while trying to catch Kelly Shoppach's shot. Span couldn't hold on as he made contact and Shoppach wound up with a two-run double to put Cleveland ahead 4-0.

Span limped back to his position and stayed in the game.

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