The series opener between the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres experienced a 14-minute delay in the fifth inning when home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez needed to be helped off the field.
On a humid night at Great American Ball Park, Gonzalez went to the ground just outside the batter's box after the Reds went down in order in the bottom of the fourth inning.
The Reds' medical staff attended to Gonzalez. A cart came out of the visitors' bullpen in right field but stopped down the first-base line as Gonzalez eventually was helped up and walked off the field through the Padres dugout.
The Reds announced that Gonzalez left the game due to heat exhaustion.
Home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez had to be helped off the field by training staff prior to the start
of the fifth inning. pic.twitter.com/4QJnLPE8di
— Shelby Dermer (@EnquirerShelby) September 1, 2026
The delay ended when Gonzalez was replaced behind the plate by DJ Reyburn, who began the night at first base. For the remainder of the night, Ron Kulpa will move to first base and Tom Hanahan will work third base.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez exits Reds-Padres game in 5th inning
