Mark Teixeira destroys Bobby Wilson

In this three picture combination, New York Yankees’ Mark Teixeira collides with Los Angeles Angels catcher Bobby Wilson on a hit by Robinson Cano during the third inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, April 23, 2010. Teixeira was safe on the play and Wilson was carried off the field after being injured. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

AP

Angels catcher Bobby Wilson, who was making his first major league start on Friday, was forced to leave the game after being barreled over by Mark Teixeira while trying to block the plate in the third inning.

According to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, Wilson was diagnosed with a left ankle sprain and a concussion. He was taken to an area hospital for a CT scan and X-rays.

Following the game, Teixeira expressed regret for the incident:

“I feel terrible. It makes me sick,” Teixeira said. “You never want to hurt a guy. I was going to slide, but as soon as I saw him learning toward me, I thought, ‘OK, he’s got the ball, I’ve got to knock it loose.’ Every time I’m in that position I try to protect myself by lowering my shoulder.”

Upon first glance, it doesn’t appear that the collision was necessary, but with repeated viewings you’ll see that Teixeira didn’t even recognize that the ball had ricocheted away from Wilson. Even Angels manager and former catcher Mike Scioscia called it “a clean play.” Some Angels’ players disagree, including Torii Hunter, who said Teixeira appeared to be “on a mission,” but I really think you have to give him the benefit of the doubt here.