Oriole's James McCann Shows Grit After Taking Fastball to the Face
In a display of incredible toughness, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann continued to play after a harrowing incident during the first game of a doubleheader on Monday afternoon. McCann took a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel RodrĂguez but still managed to finish the game.
The incident occurred early in the game, and the intensity of the moment was palpable. Despite the severe impact, which left McCann bleeding and in visible pain, the catcher remained on the field. Trainer Brian Ebel quickly attended to McCann, effectively stopping the bleeding. Once McCann had changed his blood-soaked jersey, he resumed his duties behind the plate.
"He is incredibly, incredibly tough. Catches eight more innings after that," said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde. "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’s resilience was evident as the game progressed. Despite a noticeably swollen eye, he completed all nine innings, culminating in the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays. His performance included going 1 for 3 at the plate, with his tenacity and skill drawing admiration from teammates and fans alike.
"He really appreciated McCann's toughness," added teammate Tyler Wells, underscoring the respect McCann has garnered within the team.
McCann's determination to stay in the game marks another chapter in what has been a challenging season for the Orioles concerning player injuries. Just weeks earlier, Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad suffered a head injury after being struck by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, which sidelined him for eight days and placed him on the concussion list. Aware of these risks, the Orioles' management will likely exercise caution regarding McCann's condition moving forward.
Currently hitting .218/.273/.324, McCann serves as the backup to Adley Rutschman. He is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract that he originally signed with the New York Mets in December 2020. Though the Mets are paying the majority of McCann's salary, his contribution to the Orioles' lineup is invaluable, particularly in light of his most recent display of bravery.
The victory on Monday brought the Orioles' record to an impressive 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings. This upward trajectory in the standings highlights the importance of McCann's health and availability for the team's continued success.
The Orioles' robust performance in the game sends a message to the rest of the league: they are not only contending for the division title but are also demonstrating the depth of their roster's resilience and mental toughness. McCann's courage will serve as an inspirational example as the team navigates the grueling remainder of the season.
While an official diagnosis is pending McCann's CT scan, the team remains optimistic. The Orioles and their fans will be hoping for positive news, mindful of McCann's pivotal role and extraordinary display of grit under remarkably challenging circumstances.
This incident reinforces the unpredictable nature of baseball, where moments of adversity can bring out the finest qualities in athletes. James McCann's performance on Monday was a testament to his resilience and dedication to the game, underscoring the extraordinary toughness that defines professional sports.