Houston Astros base runner Jake Marisnick slams into catcher Jonathan Lucroy of the Los Angeles Angels in an attempt to score in the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park (AFP Photo/Bob Levey)

Los Angeles (AFP) - Los Angeles Angels manager Brad Ausmus is calling for Major League Baseball to slap Houston Astros Jake Marisnick with a suspension for a violent check that sent one of his players to the hospital.

In the eighth inning on Sunday, Marisnick bulled his way towards home plate where he slammed into Angels Jonathan Lucroy, knocking his catcher's mask off and sending him crumbling to the dirt in obvious pain.

The bloodied veteran catcher lay on the field for several minutes while being attended to by medical personnel before being taken to hospital to be checked for a concussion and facial fractures.

"It certainly didn't look like a clean play," Ausmus said. "I don't know what actually happened, but it looked like Marisnick took a step to the left and bowled into him with his arm up.

"The call was right. Really, I think Major League Baseball should probably take a look at it. Consider some type of suspension, quite frankly."

The play took place with the bases loaded and one out and the game tied 10-10. The Astros would go on to win 11-10 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.

Lucroy was braced for a throw at the plate from right fielder Kole Calhoun as Marisnick was running inside the foul line towards him. The pair collided heads and Marisnick touched home plate but was ruled out by the umpire.