McCann Displays Extraordinary Toughness After Taking Fastball to the Face
Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann exhibited remarkable resilience and fortitude on Monday afternoon, continuing to play after enduring a direct hit to the face by a 94.6 mph fastball from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. The incident, which would have sidelined many athletes, saw McCann not only staying in the game but also contributing significantly to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays in the first game of a doubleheader.
After the intense impact, the Orioles' trainer, Brian Ebel, swiftly attended to McCann, managing to stop the bleeding. Despite the pain, McCann demonstrated his commitment and toughness by changing his blood-soaked jersey and returning to his position behind the plate. His courage was on full display as he completed all nine innings, an effort acknowledged and lauded by teammates and coaches alike.
By the later stages of the game, McCann's eye was noticeably swollen, and it is suspected that he may have suffered a broken nose. He is scheduled to undergo a CT scan to assess the full extent of his injuries. Regardless of the potential break, McCann managed to go 1 for 3 in the game, which included the hit-by-pitch.
Teammates and Management Praise McCann’s Toughness
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde could not conceal his astonishment and admiration for McCann’s durability. "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," Hyde remarked, underscoring McCann's resilience and the gravity of the situation.
Teammate Tyler Wells echoed this sentiment, noting that everyone in the clubhouse appreciated McCann's toughness. Such acts of bravery undoubtedly inspire and unify a team, especially as the Orioles continue to make strides in their bid for postseason success.
Impact on the Orioles’ Season
McCann, who currently hits .218/.273/.324 serving as Adley Rutschman's backup, is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract signed with the New York Mets in December 2020. Notably, the Mets are covering most of McCann's salary. His health and availability will be crucial for the Orioles as they navigate the remainder of the season, particularly given the team's successful current form. With this win, the Orioles improved their record to 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings.
Player health has been a critical concern for the Orioles in recent weeks. Outfielder Heston Kjerstad was also hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes on July 12, which resulted in an eight-day absence due to a concussion. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the inherent risks in professional baseball and the importance of player safety protocols.
The Orioles' management is expected to take a cautious approach to McCann's condition moving forward. Ensuring his full recovery before he returns to regular duties will be a priority, as his well-being is pivotal to the Orioles' ongoing success. The team will be keen to avoid repeating the scenario with Kjerstad, who had to be placed on the concussion list, impacting overall team performance.
Looking Ahead
As McCann undergoes further medical examinations, the Orioles will assess their roster options and ensure all contingencies are in place. The collective hope within the organization is that McCann’s injuries are not severe and that he can rejoin the team at full strength imminently.
The Orioles’ resilience as a team, symbolized by McCann's extraordinary toughness, will be a defining factor in the games to come. The combination of individual bravery and collective effort forms the bedrock of any successful team, and the Orioles have shown they possess these qualities in abundance.
This incident will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to James McCann's remarkable durability and commitment, adding another layer of determination to the Orioles' promising season.