The New York Mets' game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday night was overshadowed by a frightening injury to first baseman Jared Young.
Young was taken off the field on a stretcher after a collision with Mets pitcher Nolan McLean during the sixth inning at Citi Field. The incident left players, coaches and fans visibly shaken as medical personnel rushed onto the field to attend to Young.
The encouraging news came later that night. Young was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, and his CT scan came back negative. Mets interim manager Andy Green said Young was experiencing concussion symptoms but had full use of his extremities and was showing positive signs.
The Mets ultimately lost the game 3-0 to the Phillies, but the result was secondary to the concern surrounding Young's condition.
What Happened to Jared Young?
The collision occurred in the top of the sixth inning with the Phillies at the plate.
Philadelphia outfielder Justin Crawford hit a slow ground ball toward first base. Young, who was playing first, moved toward the ball while McLean also scrambled toward the area as he attempted to cover first base.
The play quickly became confusing because both Mets players were moving toward the same spot. As McLean tried to make the play, his right knee struck Young in the head.
Young immediately went down and remained motionless on the field for an extended period. Mets trainers and medical personnel rushed over to him, and the atmosphere inside Citi Field became noticeably quiet.
Eventually, Young regained consciousness and was able to give a thumbs-up to the crowd as he was taken from the field on a stretcher.
MLB described the collision as a terrifying moment, while Mets players spoke afterward about how difficult it was to watch one of their teammates lying motionless on the field.
Jared Young Injury Update
The most important update for Mets fans was that Young avoided what manager Andy Green described as the worst-case outcomes.
Young was transported to a local hospital for further examination. His CT scan was negative, and he retained full use of his extremities. However, he was experiencing concussion symptoms and remained under medical observation.
That means there is still no immediate timetable for Young's return to baseball.
For now, the focus is on his recovery rather than when he might return to the Mets lineup. Additional evaluations will determine the severity of his concussion symptoms and when he can safely resume baseball activities.
Jared Young Collision With Nolan McLean
The collision was accidental and happened during a routine defensive play.
Neither Young nor McLean appeared to anticipate exactly how the play would develop. Both were trying to make the defensive play, and McLean's momentum carried him into Young as the two converged near first base.
McLean appeared visibly affected by what happened. He remained on the field briefly and finished the inning, but Green later removed him from the game.
McLean did not speak with reporters after the game, with Green explaining that the young pitcher was understandably emotional following the collision.
It was a difficult moment for the Mets clubhouse, particularly because Young and McLean are teammates who had been working together throughout the season.
What Did the Mets Say About Jared Young?
Green provided the encouraging medical update after the game.
He said Young was doing well at the hospital and that the team was thankful for the quick response from the paramedics and medical staff who treated him on the field.
The Mets manager also acknowledged how frightening the scene had been and said the organization was relieved by the initial medical results.
Shortstop Francisco Lindor also spoke about the emotional impact of the incident. He described Young as one of the team's most respected and loved teammates and emphasized that moments like this put baseball into perspective.
For the Mets, the biggest concern after the game was not the score or the standings. It was making sure Young was safe.
Jared Young's 2026 Season With the Mets
Young has been an important part of the Mets' roster this season.
The 31-year-old first baseman entered the game hitting .266 with nine home runs and 39 RBIs over 103 games. He had primarily been used on the strong side of a first-base platoon and had provided the Mets with consistent offensive production.
His role had become particularly valuable because of the way the Mets were managing their first-base situation.
Young's absence could therefore create a significant change for New York, depending on how long he is unavailable.
Who Could Replace Jared Young at First Base?
With Young forced out of the game, Mark Vientos took over at first base.
Vientos has also been working his way back into the Mets' plans after returning from a lengthy injured-list stint. He could receive additional opportunities at first base while Young recovers.
The Mets also have other options they can consider depending on the matchup, including Brett Baty.
However, the team's immediate priority is not deciding who will replace Young permanently. It is making sure that Young receives the medical care and recovery time he needs.
Nolan McLean's Night Against the Phillies
McLean's night was understandably defined by the collision, but before that moment he had been pitching effectively.
The right-hander worked six innings against Philadelphia, allowing one run while striking out five batters.
He was credited with the loss as the Phillies eventually defeated the Mets 3-0.
The emotional impact of the collision, however, made his pitching performance almost an afterthought.
Phillies Beat Mets 3-0
The Phillies shut out the Mets in the game, with Aaron Nola delivering a strong performance for Philadelphia.
Nola pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing only three hits while striking out four and walking three. Philadelphia scored its first run in the fifth inning before adding two more runs later in the game.
The victory moved Philadelphia to 85-68, while the Mets fell to 69-84.
But the final score was hardly the biggest story coming out of Citi Field.
The injury to Young dominated the postgame conversation as both teams focused on the Mets first baseman's condition.
Is Jared Young Out for the Season?
It is too early to say whether Jared Young will miss the remainder of the season.
The Mets have confirmed that he experienced concussion symptoms, but the negative CT scan was an encouraging initial development. A CT scan can help identify serious structural problems, but it does not by itself determine when an athlete is ready to return to competition following a concussion.
Young's recovery will depend on his symptoms and subsequent medical evaluations.
For that reason, fans should be cautious about reports claiming that Young will definitely return quickly or that his season is definitely over. The Mets have not announced a definitive timetable.
Why the Jared Young Injury Was So Concerning
The collision was particularly alarming because Young initially appeared unresponsive after taking the impact to his head.
When a player remains motionless following a head injury, the priority is always medical evaluation rather than immediately moving the player or attempting to get him back into the game.
The Mets' medical staff and emergency personnel took the necessary precautions before Young was transported from the field.
His thumbs-up gesture to the Citi Field crowd provided an emotional moment of relief for everyone watching.
While the negative CT scan was encouraging, the presence of concussion symptoms means the Mets will need to take the next stage of his recovery carefully.
What Happens Next for Jared Young?
The next step will be continued medical evaluation and monitoring of Young's concussion symptoms.
There is no reason for the Mets to rush him back. Head injuries require a careful, symptom-based recovery process, and the organization will ultimately follow the recommendations of its medical staff.
The Mets are also likely to adjust their first-base rotation while Young is unavailable.
More information about his status should become available as the team receives additional medical evaluations.
Jared Young Injury: Key Facts
Detail Information Player Jared Young Team New York Mets Position First baseman Opponent Philadelphia Phillies Injury Head injury/concussion symptoms Collision With Mets pitcher Nolan McLean Inning Sixth inning Location Citi Field Hospital Young was transported for further evaluation CT scan Negative Initial condition Full use of extremities; concussion symptoms reported 2026 batting average .266 entering the game 2026 home runs 9 2026 RBIs 39Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Jared Young?
Jared Young suffered a head injury after colliding with Mets pitcher Nolan McLean during the sixth inning of the Mets' game against the Phillies. Young was taken from the field on a stretcher and transported to a hospital.
Did Jared Young suffer a concussion?
Young was experiencing concussion symptoms following the collision. The Mets have not announced a definitive long-term diagnosis or recovery timetable.
Was Jared Young's CT scan negative?
Yes. Mets manager Andy Green said Young's CT scan was negative after he was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Is Jared Young going to be OK?
The initial medical update was encouraging. Young had full use of his extremities and was showing positive signs, although he was experiencing concussion symptoms and remained under medical evaluation.
Who did Jared Young collide with?
Young collided with Mets pitcher Nolan McLean while both players were attempting to make a defensive play near first base.
Will Jared Young play in the next Mets game?
There is currently no confirmed timetable for Young's return. His availability will depend on his recovery from the concussion symptoms and subsequent medical evaluations.
Who replaced Jared Young after the injury?
Mark Vientos replaced Young at first base after the collision. The Mets can also consider other players, including Brett Baty, depending on the matchup and roster needs.
The Mets' Focus Is Now on Jared Young's Recovery
The Mets entered Thursday night's game focused on baseball, but the final score quickly became secondary after Young's frightening collision.
The most encouraging development is that Young was conscious when he left the field, had full use of his extremities and later received a negative CT scan. At the same time, his concussion symptoms mean the situation still needs to be taken seriously.
For the Mets, the coming days will be about monitoring Young's recovery and determining when, and if, he is ready to return to baseball activities.
Whatever happens with the Mets' lineup or the team's remaining games, Young's health will remain the priority.
Editor's note: This article is based on information available following the Mets' September 17, 2026 game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Jared Young's medical status and return timeline may change as the Mets provide additional updates.
