Baltimore Orioles' Catcher Displays Unyielding Toughness After Taking Fastball to the Face
In a moment that showcased his resilience, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann exemplified toughness on Monday afternoon by continuing to play after taking a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. The game, the first of a doubleheader, saw the Orioles triumph with an 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays, thanks in no small part to McCann's determination to stay in the game.
Immediately following the impact, trainer Brian Ebel rushed to tend to McCann, managing to stop the bleeding. Despite the seriousness of being hit in the face with a high-speed pitch, McCann changed his blood-soaked jersey and returned to his position behind the plate. By the end of the game, his eye was notably swollen, leading to suspicions of a broken nose.
“He is incredibly, incredibly tough. Catches eight more innings after that. He doesn't have a head or eye trauma or injury. We're suspecting it's a broken nose. He's going to get a CT scan tomorrow. All signs right now are we dodged a major bullet,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, reflecting on McCann’s remarkable endurance and determination.
Despite the injury, McCann displayed commendable performance, going 1 for 3 in the game, including the hit-by-pitch. Currently hitting .218/.273/.324 as Adley Rutschman's backup, McCann’s presence on the field was crucial for the Orioles’ victory, which improved their record to 63-43, securing a 1 1/2 game lead in the AL East standings.
Looking at McCann's journey, it's notable that he is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract he signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, with the Mets covering the majority of his salary. His dedication and performance despite the dire circumstances underline his crucial role for the Orioles.
McCann is headed for a CT scan to confirm if he indeed has a broken nose. The Orioles’ management will likely exercise caution in handling McCann’s condition, considering his health and availability are critical for the team's ongoing success. The event echoed a similar incident from July 12, when Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, resulting in an eight-day absence and a stint on the concussion list.
Teammate Tyler Wells commended McCann's grit following the incident, stating, "He really appreciated McCann's toughness." Such attributes are not just vital for the morale of the team but also speak volumes about McCann's personal character and dedication to the game.
The Orioles have enjoyed a successful season, and the grit displayed by players like McCann only adds to the team’s competitive spirit. As they continue their pursuit of further victories, balancing aggressiveness with caution regarding player injuries will be crucial.
While James McCann's immediate future may involve some time off to recover fully, his unwavering commitment will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on his teammates and the fans. Whether temporary or extended, his contribution to the game Monday was both visible in the Orioles' victory and in the way it unified and inspired the team.