Home plate umpire Paul Emmel left Target Field with a heavy limp following the Twins' 7-0 win over Tampa Bay. He insisted that he would be fine today.
It appeared for awhile that he wouldn't even finish the game.
Joe Mauer tapped out to the pitcher in the third inning, but broke his bat doing so. During his follow-through, the bat came apart and slammed into Emmel's right knee.
Emmel needed a couple of minutes as trainers from both teams rushed to his aid. The took off the protective guard that covers his leg to take a look.
Emmel said he suffered a cut on his right kneecap. He finished the game and, during a a very brief chat after the game, sounded determined to work Tuesday's game between the Twins and Rays.
It was a reminder of how umpires can end up in the line of fire.
