Ayuto Matsushita hospitalized after head injury in Swallows-Giants game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 3:38 AM
Last updated Jul 2, 2026

Ayuto Matsushita of the Yakult Swallows was rushed to the hospital following a head injury during a game against the Yomiuri Giants on July 1. The incident occurred in the second inning when Matsushita was struck by a fastball from Giants pitcher Yuya Nishidate. Matsushita collapsed and remained unresponsive before being stretchered off the field. Following the incident, Nishidate was ejected from the game, which the Giants won 2-1. Hospital reports indicated Matsushita was diagnosed with a head contusion, although he later returned to the stadium and will be monitored closely for recovery.
- •Matsushita hit on the helmet by a pitch during the game
- •The Giants won the game 2-1
- •Nishidate ejected after the incident
- •Matsushita diagnosed with a head contusion
- •He returned to the stadium after being hospitalized
- 3:38 AMYahoo Sports — Scary Scenes Unfold as Baseball Player Rushed to Hospital After Bitter Head Injury
"All it took was a second for first-round draft pick Ayuto Matsushita’s fate to change in the Yakult Swallows’ 17th game of the 2026 season. Things took an unexpected turn in the second inning of the July 1 game between the Swallows and the Yomiuri Giants.
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