In a display of extraordinary grit and determination, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann continued to play after being struck in the face by a 94.6 mph fastball from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez on Monday afternoon. The incident, which occurred during the first game of a doubleheader, highlighted McCann's resilience and dedication to the game.
Despite the severe impact, McCann remained on the field, completing all nine innings and contributing to the Orioles' impressive 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays. The Orioles' head trainer, Brian Ebel, promptly attended to McCann, managing to stop the bleeding quickly. McCann, undeterred, changed his blood-soaked jersey and resumed his position behind the plate.
As the game progressed, McCann’s eye became noticeably swollen, raising concerns about the extent of his injuries. Initial suspicions suggest that McCann may have sustained a broken nose. He is scheduled to undergo a CT scan to determine the full extent of his injuries. Despite the hit, McCann went 1 for 3 at the plate, showcasing his determination to contribute to his team's success.
"He is incredibly, incredibly tough," remarked Orioles manager Brandon Hyde. "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, serving as backup to Adley Rutschman, is currently hitting .218/.273/.324. He 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 the majority of McCann's salary this season.
Monday’s victory propelled the Orioles to a 63-43 record, positioning them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings. This win not only bolstered the Orioles’ standing but also underscored the team’s resilience amidst adversity. McCann’s toughness seemed to resonate deeply within the team, with teammate Tyler Wells expressing his admiration, "He really appreciated McCann's toughness."
This isn't the first instance this season where an Orioles player endured a severe hit-by-pitch. On July 12, 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 placement on the concussion list. The repeated incidents highlight the ever-present risks players face and emphasize the importance of safety protocols in the sport.
Given these recent events, the Orioles' management is expected to exercise caution regarding McCann's condition moving forward. Ensuring his health and availability will be crucial to maintaining the team's momentum into the latter part of the season.
McCann's courage and determination are emblematic of the competitive spirit in baseball, where players often push through pain for the sake of their team. As the Orioles eye their postseason ambitions, McCann's health and resilience will undoubtedly be key factors in their ongoing pursuit of success.