Baltimore Orioles' James McCann Shows Exceptional Resilience After Fastball to the Face
In a display of remarkable toughness and commitment, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann continued to play through significant adversity on Monday afternoon. During the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays, McCann was struck in the face by a 94.6 mph fastball from pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. Despite the painful and potentially serious injury, McCann not only stayed in the game but completed all nine innings, contributing significantly to the Orioles' 11-5 victory.
Event Recap
The incident occurred early in the game, sending trainers and teammates rushing to McCann's side. Trainer Brian Ebel managed to stop the bleeding, and McCann had to change his blood-soaked jersey before returning to his position behind the plate. Throughout the game, McCann’s eye was notably swollen, indicating the damage was severe.
"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, praising McCann’s resilience.
Teammate Tyler Wells echoed this sentiment, emphasizing McCann's gritty performance. "He really appreciated McCann's toughness," Wells remarked, pointing out the critical role McCann played in the Orioles' victory.
Statistical Contribution
Despite the injury, McCann managed to go 1 for 3 in the game, including the at-bat where he was hit by the pitch. His current season statistics stand at .218/.273/.324, serving as a backup to Adley Rutschman. McCann is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, with the Mets still paying the majority of his salary.
The Orioles' win improved their record to 63-43, putting them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings. McCann’s willingness to endure such pain and still perform reinforces not only his dedication but also highlights the depth of the Orioles' roster as they push for postseason contention.
Precautionary Measures
Following the game, it was suspected that McCann might have suffered a broken nose. McCann is scheduled for a CT scan to determine the extent of his injuries. Manager Brandon Hyde and the Orioles' management are expected to proceed cautiously with McCann’s condition, taking into account the recent incident involving outfielder Heston Kjerstad. On July 12, Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes and missed eight days while on the concussion list.
Long-Term Implications
As the Orioles strive to maintain their lead in the AL East, McCann's health and availability will be pivotal. His resilience serves as an inspiration to the team and underscores the critical role he plays, even as a backup. The Orioles' management will focus on ensuring McCann's swift and full recovery, balancing the urgency of their competitive aspirations with the necessity of player safety.
In conclusion, James McCann’s performance on Monday exemplifies the toughness and dedication that define professional athletes at the highest level. His ability to persevere in the face of such adversity not only contributed to the Orioles' victory but also demonstrated his unyielding commitment to the team. As McCann undergoes further medical evaluation, the Orioles will undoubtedly prioritize his health while striving to continue their successful season.