On Monday afternoon, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann displayed extraordinary resilience after taking a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. In a remarkable testament to his toughness, not only did McCann stay in the game, but he also played all nine innings, contributing significantly to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays during the first game of a doubleheader.
Trainer Brian Ebel immediately tended to McCann, managing to stop the bleeding swiftly. McCann then changed his blood-soaked jersey and heroically returned to his position behind the plate. As the game progressed, it became apparent that McCann's eye was notably swollen, raising concerns about his condition.
Despite the intense impact and suspected injury, McCann went 1 for 3 in the game, including the hit-by-pitch incident. The catcher is currently hitting .218/.273/.324, serving as the backup to Adley Rutschman. The Orioles management suspects that McCann might have sustained a broken nose and has scheduled a CT scan to ascertain the extent of his injuries.
McCann, who is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, has predominantly had his salary paid by the Mets. His condition and availability in the upcoming games are crucial for the Orioles, who have shown cautious optimism about his recovery.
"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. His sentiments were echoed by teammate Tyler Wells, who noted that McCann's toughness was genuinely appreciated by everyone on the team.
The Orioles' victory on Monday improved their record to 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings. The team is currently enjoying a strong season, and McCann’s resilience is emblematic of the grit and determination that the Orioles have been displaying.
This is not the first time this season that the Orioles have dealt with such an incident. On July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, which led to an eight-day stint on the concussion list. Given these recent experiences, Orioles' management is expected to exercise caution in handling McCann’s injury.
As the Orioles continue their season, McCann's health and presence behind the plate will be vital elements in their pursuit of sustained success. The team, while buoyed by their current standings, understands the importance of keeping their players, especially those as tough and committed as McCann, in the best possible condition. The coming days will likely see the organization working closely with their medical staff to ensure that McCann can return to the field safely while continuing to be an integral part of the Orioles’ lineup.