Baltimore Orioles Catcher James McCann Shows Exceptional Grit After Taking Fastball to the Face
In a display of remarkable toughness and determination, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann continued playing after being struck in the face by a 94.6 mph fastball thrown by Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. The incident took place during the first game of a doubleheader on Monday afternoon.
Although the intense impact left him with a suspected broken nose and significant swelling around his eye, McCann’s resolve was unshaken as he stayed in the game for all nine innings, aiding the Orioles to an 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays.
The Incident and Immediate Response
Shortly after the pitch struck McCann, Orioles' trainer Brian Ebel rushed to his aid and managed to stop the bleeding. The resilient catcher changed his blood-soaked jersey and returned to his critical position behind the plate to continue the game.
Despite the painful ordeal, McCann completed the game, a feat that didn’t go unnoticed by those around him. "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," remarked Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.
Contributions to the Victory and Current Performance
In addition to his defensive duties, McCann went 1 for 3 in the contest, which included being hit by the pitch. His current batting average stands at .218/.273/.324, as he serves as the backup to star catcher Adley Rutschman.
McCann, who is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract initially signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, continues to have most of his salary covered by his former team. His contributions have been crucial to the Orioles, whose victory on Monday improved their record to 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games ahead in the competitive AL East standings.
Previous Incidents and Team's Caution
This isn’t the first time an Orioles player faced a head injury this season. 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 stint on the concussion list. Given this precedent, Orioles' management is expected to be highly cautious regarding McCann's health in the coming days.
“He really appreciated McCann's toughness,” said teammate Tyler Wells, reflecting the respect and admiration McCann has garnered among his peers for his gritty performance.
The Road Ahead
As the Orioles continue their campaign, McCann’s health and availability will be critical components of their success. His willingness to endure such an intense and painful experience, coupled with his unwavering dedication to the team, points towards a resilient spirit that could very well inspire his teammates moving forward.
The outcome of McCann’s upcoming CT scan will likely determine the immediate steps the Orioles take with regard to his role. For now, the focus remains on his incredible toughness and the vital role he plays in the team's pursuit of excellence.