Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward is helped off the field after an injury from sliding into third base during the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Cubs' Jason Heyward kneed in head, leaves game against Giants

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/11/21

Chicago Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward exited Saturday's game against San Francisco in the fourth inning after sliding into third and getting kneed in the head by Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford.

Jason Heyward appeared to be hit in head by Brandon Crawford’s left knee as the infielder caught a throw, attempted a tag and hurdled the outfielder.

Heyward exits the game in 4th after being examined on the field. pic.twitter.com/ot1Foe253Z
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 11, 2021

Heyward reached on a single and was advancing to third on a David Bote ground ball into the shortstop hole. Crawford ran to cover a vacated third base and caught a throw from first baseman Brandon Belt.

Heyward beat Belt's throw, but as Crawford took the throw on the run, he jumped over Heyward and ended up kneeing him in the head. The 32-year-old stayed on the field for a few minutes as he was checked by medical staff.

It's unclear if Heyward has a concussion or if he will miss time.

The five-time Gold Glover entered Saturday's game hitting .212/.279/.346 with eight home runs and 30 RBI in 103 games. He's in the sixth year of an eight-year, $184 million deal.

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