In a remarkable display of resilience and tenacity, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann continued to play on Monday afternoon after enduring a frightening moment in the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays. McCann took a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez but managed to stay in the game and complete all nine innings.
Following the incident, trainer Brian Ebel quickly came to McCann's aid, managing to stop the bleeding. Despite the significant impact and the visible damage, McCann returned to the field after changing his blood-soaked jersey. By the end of the game, McCann’s eye was notably swollen, yet he persevered, demonstrating exceptional toughness.
After the game, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde praised McCann’s fortitude: "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."
Despite the injury, McCann went 1 for 3 at the plate, including the hit-by-pitch, contributing to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays. This game is a testament to McCann's resolve and commitment to his team.
McCann is currently hitting .218/.273/.324 while serving as the backup to Adley Rutschman. He is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract that he signed with the New York Mets in December 2020. Notably, the Mets are covering the majority of McCann's salary for the duration of the contract.
Star outfielder Heston Kjerstad also recently experienced a head injury, getting hit by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes on July 12 and subsequently missing eight days due to a concussion. Kjerstad’s experience underscores the importance of caution when dealing with head and facial injuries in baseball. The Orioles' management is undoubtedly mindful of this as they evaluate McCann's condition moving forward.
The Orioles' win over the Blue Jays improved their record to an impressive 63-43, solidifying their lead in the AL East standings by 1 1/2 games. McCann's health and availability remain critical factors in the team's quest for continued success this season. His vital role as Rutschman's backup and his evident toughness reinforce the depth of character within this Orioles squad.
Teammate Tyler Wells also acknowledged McCann's grit, remarking that he "really appreciated McCann's toughness." This sentiment is reflective of the admiration and respect McCann's teammates hold for him, particularly in light of his willingness to play through the pain and contribute meaningfully to the team’s efforts.
Looking ahead, the Orioles will be hoping for a positive outcome from McCann's upcoming CT scan. The determination he showed in Monday's game is a testament to his dedication, but ensuring his full recovery is paramount. As the Orioles continue to battle for dominance in the AL East, McCann's resilience and contributions will be indispensable.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with professional baseball, yet also highlights the exceptional toughness and camaraderie that define the sport. James McCann's performance on Monday is sure to be remembered as one of the more heroic displays of fortitude and determination this season.