Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann showcased extraordinary toughness on Monday afternoon, persevering through a harrowing incident that saw a 94.6 mph fastball collide with his face. The grim accident occurred during the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays, delivered by pitcher Yariel RodrÃguez.
Despite the shock and pain of the high-speed impact, McCann remarkably stayed in the game, finishing all nine innings and making an instrumental contribution to Baltimore's 11-5 victory. His resilience epitomized the fighting spirit that has characterized the Orioles' performance this season.
Immediate Response and Recovery
Immediately following the blow, trainer Brian Ebel rushed to McCann's aid, managing to stop the bleeding and minimize further damage. Demonstrating remarkable fortitude, McCann changed his blood-stained jersey and returned to his crucial position behind the plate. However, as the game progressed, it became evident that his eye was significantly swollen, raising concerns about the extent of his injuries.
"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," commented Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, exemplifying the uncertainty and cautious optimism surrounding McCann's condition.
Impact on the Game
McCann's presence and performance were instrumental in securing the Orioles' triumph. He went 1 for 3, which included the hit-by-pitch, demonstrating his commitment and dedication to the team. The victory improved the Orioles' record to an impressive 63-43, positioning them 1 1/2 games ahead in the fiercely competitive AL East standings.
Teammate Tyler Wells lauded McCann's valor, stating, "He really appreciated McCann's toughness."
A Season of Resilience
McCann's ordeal is not an isolated incident for the Orioles this season. On July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad suffered a similar terrifying experience when he was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes. Kjerstad missed eight days and was placed on the concussion list, emphasizing the inherent risks faced by players.
Looking Ahead
As McCann awaits the results of his CT scan, the Orioles' management is likely to adopt a cautious approach to his recovery, given the potential severity of a broken nose. Ensuring McCann's full recovery and availability will be vital for the Orioles as they navigate the remainder of their season. His health remains a priority for the team's continued success.
McCann, who is currently batting .218/.273/.324 as the backup to Adley Rutschman, 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 his salary, another dimension to McCann's tenure with the Orioles.
As the Orioles continue their campaign, McCann's toughness and commitment serve as an inspiration and a testament to the resilience required to excel in Major League Baseball. The team's prudent management of his condition will be crucial, ensuring that both he and the team continue to thrive in one of baseball's most competitive divisions.