Guardians outfielder accidentally kills bird with second-inning single: ‘An unfortunate sacrifice’

For the second time in a week, a bird has been killed during at a Major League Baseball ballpark. 

During the second inning of a game between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox Monday night, Guardians rookie outfielder Will Brennan hit a hard grounder toward the shortstop side of the infield. 

The left-handed right fielder took a pitch the opposite way, accidentally hitting and killing a bird standing in the infield. 

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Brennan placed his hands on his head after reaching first base while the umpiring crew called timeout in order for the ground crew to remove the bird with a shovel. 

After the game, Brennan posted an apology on Twitter for the accident. 

“I truly am sorry [PETA] and bird enthusiasts,” Brennan wrote. “An unfortunate sacrifice.”

Last week, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen accidentally killed a bird while warming up in the outfield prior to a game against the Oakland A’s. 

“I don’t really know what happened, honestly,” Gallen said. “I just know that the ball changed directions really. I saw what happened. It’s kind of a freak accident. It’s unfortunate.”

The incident was reminiscent of a 2001 Spring Training game when Diamondbacks great Randy Johnson accidentally killed a bird with a fastball while pitching against the San Francisco Giants. 

“I don’t remember it as a kid,” he said. “But I’ve seen the clip many times.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report