Phillies minor leaguer Daniel Brito undergoes emergency surgery

Our thoughts are with Daniel Brito and his loved ones after the Phillies minor-leaguer collapsed on the field during Saturday’s game between the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Phillies) and Rochester Red Wings (Nationals).

The game was suspended, and Brito was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery. Not a lot of information has been made publicly available at this time, but the Phillies have issued a statement:

According to Sal Maiorana, Brito “suffered some type of seizure” during the first inning of the game. He was helped to the ground by Red Wings manager Matt LeCroy and his own manager Gary Jones, and he remained on the ground for approximately 20 minutes until an ambulance could arrive. Reports say he received oxygen from a paramedic before being taken to a local hospital in Rochester.

The game was subsequently suspended, a decision that fans applauded. Maiorana reports that “players on both sides were shaken by the event,” which is, of course, understandable. It’s commendable that the teams did the right thing and were extremely sensitive to such an upsetting situation.

Brito is considered one of the Phillies’ best defensive prospects, but now isn’t a time to give you his stats or talk about his potential impact at the big-league level someday.

All that matters now is his health.

Update on Daniel Brito (August 1):

The Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Rochester Red Wings (Nationals affiliate) have postponed Sunday’s game as well. According to the IronPigs, he continues to undergo medical evaluation in Rochester.

The Red Wings also signed a jersey for Brito, a beautiful gesture:

Numerous minor league teams have also sent well-wishes to Brito, including the Buffalo Bisons (Toronto), Palm Beach Cardinals (St. Louis), and Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Mets).

Nationals manager Dave Martinez began his pregame media availability by sending a message to Brito and his family:

Phillies outfielder Andrew McCutchen and A’s pitcher Cole Irvin, who spent time in the Phillies farm system with Brito, also sent support:

Update on Daniel Brito (August 2):

According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Brito underwent a second surgery on Sunday morning.

The Phillies brought Brito’s girlfriend and her sister to Rochester, and are coordinating to bring his mother from Venezuela, too.

Phillies manager Joe Girardi said Brito “needs a lot of prayers,” while Assistant GM Bryan Minniti described him as “a special kid,” and said, “Everyone loves this guy.”

Update on Daniel Brito (August 3):

According to multiple news outlets, Brito remains in intensive care.

Brito’s girlfriend has reportedly posted on her Facebook saying that Brito is stable, but asks for continued prayers for him.

Update on Daniel Brito (August 3):

The Phillies have announced that Brito is in stable condition:

Update on Daniel Brito (September 30):

The Phillies have announced that Daniel Brito has been transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Philadelphia.