Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann displayed an extraordinary level of resilience and toughness on Monday afternoon, enduring a harrowing experience on the field. In the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays, McCann was struck in the face by a 94.6 mph fastball delivered by pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. Despite the intense impact, McCann showcased his grit by remaining in the game and completing all nine innings.
The Orioles emerged victorious with an 11-5 win over the Blue Jays, improving their record to 63-43 and placing them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings. McCann's ability to stay behind the plate throughout the game was nothing short of remarkable given the severity of the incident.
Immediately following the hit-by-pitch, Orioles trainer Brian Ebel rushed to McCann's aid, managing to stop the bleeding. McCann changed his blood-soaked jersey and, with undeniable determination, returned to his position. As the game progressed, McCann's eye noticeably swelled, a testament to the brutal nature of the injury.
"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," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde commented on McCann's resilience. Teammate Tyler Wells echoed this sentiment, stating, "He really appreciated McCann's toughness."
McCann's performance amidst the adversity included going 1 for 3 at the plate, which factored in the hit-by-pitch. His season performance currently stands at a .218/.273/.324 batting line as the backup to Adley Rutschman. Although McCann is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, the Mets are bearing the bulk of his salary.
The incident is reminiscent of another recent close call for the Orioles. On July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, resulting in an eight-day absence and a stint on the concussion list. The recurring nature of such incidents surely underscores the Orioles' need to act cautiously with McCann's condition moving forward.
With the Orioles making a strong push in the AL East, McCann's health and availability will be crucial factors in sustaining their momentum. The team's management is likely to prioritize his well-being, ensuring that he is fit to continue contributing both defensively and offensively.
The Orioles’ supporters and the baseball community, in general, will be closely monitoring McCann's recovery. His ability to take such a powerful hit and continue performing at a high level is a testament to his toughness and dedication to the game. As McCann prepares for his CT scan, the hope is that the damage is limited to a suspected broken nose, without more severe complications.
McCann's tenacity exemplifies the spirit of the Orioles as they strive for success in a highly competitive division. His journey through this painful ordeal serves as an inspiring story of perseverance and courage, reflective of the resolve needed to thrive in the world of professional baseball. McCann's heroics on the field not only contributed to a much-needed victory for the Orioles but also highlighted the extraordinary fortitude required to succeed at the highest level of the sport.