Alabama baseballawaits its second concussion protocol verdict since arriving at South Carolina for the penultimate series of the 2026 regular season.
Catcher Brady Neal left game two against the Gamecocks in the bottom of the second inning to be evaluated for a concussion after taking a foul ball to the face mask in the first inning.
Neal's exit comes just one day afterCrimson Tideshortstop Justin Lebron, who is out for the remainder of the series, suffered an apparent head injury during a late collision in the opener.
HOW WE GOT HERE:Alabama baseball's Justin Lebron won't return to South Carolina series
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Why Alabama baseball's Brady Neal exited game vs South Carolina
KJ Scobey was working an at-bat to start the game when one of his four fouls came back and ricocheted off the right side of Neal's face. Neal, who leads the team in batting average and OPS, hit the ground, removed his helmet and brought his face to his knees, prompting a visit from Alabama coach Rob Vaughn.
Neal shook it off and finished the inning, but after three Gamecock batters in the second, he was pulled from competition and substituted for Will Plattner, who was seen warming up in full gear while pitcher Zane Adams prepared to take the mound again.
The SEC Network broadcast crew indicated that Neal "didn't feel right" and could "go get evaluated for concussion and reenter." However, there has yet to be an update on whether he will return.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News:Alabama baseball's Brady Neal injured, exits game vs South Carolina
