Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann demonstrated remarkable resilience on Monday afternoon when he continued playing after taking a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. The incident occurred during the first game of a doubleheader between the Orioles and the Blue Jays, a game that ultimately ended in an 11-5 victory for Baltimore.
Despite the brutal impact, McCann's commitment to his team saw him complete all nine innings. Trainer Brian Ebel quickly attended to him on the field, managing to stop the bleeding, allowing McCann to replace his blood-soaked jersey and resume his crucial role behind the plate. As the game progressed, McCann’s eye showed significant swelling, raising concerns about his condition. Preliminary assessments suggest McCann might have a broken nose, and he is scheduled to undergo a CT scan to confirm the extent of his injuries.
McCann’s grittiness did not go unnoticed by his teammates and coaching staff. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde remarked, "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." Teammate Tyler Wells echoed this sentiment, expressing his admiration for McCann's toughness.
McCann's resilience was not just physical but also carried through to his performance. He achieved one hit in three at-bats, which included the painful hit-by-pitch. Currently serving as the backup to Adley Rutschman, McCann is hitting .218/.273/.324 this season. The Orioles, benefiting from his determination, enhanced their record to 63-43 with this win, securing a 1 1/2 game lead in the AL East standings.
The timing of McCann’s incident brings to memory another recent hit-by-pitch injury for the Orioles. On July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad was struck in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes. Kjerstad's encounter led to an eight-day absence as he was placed on the concussion list. This history reinforces the cautious approach the Orioles’ management will likely take with McCann’s current condition. The health and availability of key players like McCann are vital components for the Orioles' continued success through the season.
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 demonstrated his value and tenacity time and again. The Mets are covering the majority of McCann's salary, a move that has evidently paid off for the Orioles. As the team marches toward a hopeful postseason, McCann's well-being will be closely monitored, ensuring he remains an asset both behind the plate and in the dugout.
The Orioles' catcher showed the kind of determination and spirit that can define a season. His ability to stay on the field despite considerable pain and discomfort is a testament not only to his physical toughness but also to his unwavering commitment to his team. As Brandon Hyde put it, the Orioles seem to have "dodged a major bullet" with no head or eye trauma reported so far. All eyes will now be on the forthcoming CT scan results to confirm the suspected broken nose.
In the high-pressure environment of Major League Baseball, where every win counts and player availability is critical, McCann's grit serves as a sterling example of the toughness required to succeed at this level. The Orioles, now with a bolstered record, continue their campaign with an eye on maintaining their lead in the AL East and securing their spot in the playoffs. As for James McCann, his perseverance amidst adversity will undoubtedly remain a memorable highlight of the Orioles' season.