Scary moment MLB umpire is hit in the HEAD by a powerful throw from the outfield

This is the terrifying moment a second-base MLB umpire is drilled in the head by a powerful throw from the outfield during the Yankees-Guardians game.

Larry Vanover was officiating the game at Progressive Field on Wednesday lunchtime, but got more than he bargained for when Cleveland tried to field a ball that was very nearly hit for a home run.

After Kyle Higashioka hit the ball deep to center-field, the Guardians' Andres Gimenez tried to get the man out at home plate to save a run, but instead managed to find the head of the umpire. 

In scary scenes, Vanover immediately fell to the floor, and his hat and sunglasses both came off in the process.

The play continued, with the Yankees scoring two runs, before the camera cut back to Vanover as he gingerly got back to his feet in the middle of the field.

Andre Gimenez throws the ball to try and get the man out at home plate - but it goes wrong

The second-base umpire is in the way and takes a powerful hit to the side of his head

The official - Larry Vanover - immediately hits the ground after being struck by the ball

Help immediately rushed his way, and he was led off the field to receive medical attention, but appeared to be okay in the immediate aftermath.

The incident was just the latest of a string of bizarre moments in the Yankees-Guardians game, after New York manager Aaron Boone had earlier been thrown out for disagreeing with an umpire call.

The Yankees thought Clarke Schmidt had got them out of trouble in the bottom of the first after Aaron Hicks caught a ball in the outfield, but the play was overturned after a - seemingly late - challenge from the Guardians bench.

Managers have 15 seconds to make a challenge, and Boone was insistent that the Guardians had missed that opportunity. 

Earlier in the game, Aaron Boone had been thrown out of the game for arguing a review call