Baltimore Orioles' McCann Displays Tremendous Toughness After Taking Fastball to the Face
Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann displayed remarkable resilience on Monday afternoon, continuing to play after suffering a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. In a display that left fans and teammates equally awestruck, McCann stayed in the game and completed all nine innings, significantly contributing to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays in the first game of a doubleheader.
Immediately after the intense impact, trainer Brian Ebel rushed to McCann's aid, managing to control the bleeding and allowing the catcher to change his blood-soaked jersey. Despite his visibly swollen eye, McCann returned to his position behind the plate and remained a key figure for the rest of the game. Such fortitude was crucial to maintaining the Orioles’ momentum throughout the game.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde praised McCann’s resilience, stating, "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."
McCann's toughness did not go unnoticed by his teammates either. Pitcher Tyler Wells remarked how much he appreciated McCann’s grit and determination to stay in the game despite the painful injury. McCann’s willingness to endure the pain and remain on the field resonated deeply within the team.
Offensively, McCann went 1 for 3 in the game, including the hit-by-pitch. His current season batting average stands at .218 with an on-base percentage of .273 and a slugging percentage of .324, as he serves as backup to Adley Rutschman.
McCann 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 presence in the Orioles lineup is both a strategic asset and a testament to his dedication to the game.
The Orioles' victory in the pivotal game improved their record to 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings. The win demonstrated not only the team’s formidable talent but also their indomitable spirit, embodied by McCann’s performance under duress.
The situation brings back memories of another recent incident involving an Orioles player. On July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes and subsequently missed eight days due to being placed on the concussion list. These occurrences highlight the inherent risks tied to the sport and underscore the importance of player safety and well-being.
Given McCann's potential broken nose and the heightened risk associated with facial injuries, the Orioles' management will likely exercise caution with his condition moving forward. Ensuring McCann's health and availability will be critical for the Orioles as they continue their pursuit of success in the season.
In summary, James McCann’s determination to continue playing after a severe injury is a testament to his toughness and commitment to the team. His actions not only helped secure a victory for the Orioles but also inspired his teammates and fans alike. As they await further medical evaluation, McCann's tenacity will undoubtedly be a galvanizing force for Baltimore as they aim to maintain their lead and push towards their season goals.