Brett Gardner’s speed helped the Yankees score the go-ahead run in their third straight win on Wednesday, but it also knocked the left fielder out of their 8-4 victory over the Rays at the Stadium.
Gardner, pinch-hitting for Pete Kozma with the score tied in the sixth inning, hit a comebacker to Xavier Cedeno. Cedeno’s low throw to first baseman Rickie Weeks Jr. bounced away, and Gardner slammed into Weeks.
Gardner and Weeks both stayed on the ground and left the game after being treated by trainers. Gardner was diagnosed with a bruised jaw and strained neck.