Baltimore Orioles' James McCann Shows Remarkable Resilience After Fastball to the Face
In a display of extraordinary toughness, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann continued to play on Monday afternoon after being hit in the face with a 94.6 mph fastball from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. Despite the severe blow, McCann stayed in the game, helping the Orioles secure an 11-5 win over the Blue Jays in the first game of a doubleheader.
Orioles’ trainer Brian Ebel promptly attended to McCann on the field, efficiently stopping the bleeding. McCann changed his blood-soaked jersey and resumed his duties behind the plate, completing all nine innings of the game. His tenacity did not go unnoticed by his teammates and the Orioles' management.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said, "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."
McCann’s eye was visibly swollen later in the game, yet he managed to bat 1 for 3, including the hit-by-pitch that initially caused his injury. Currently serving as a backup to Adley Rutschman, McCann has been batting .218/.273/.324 this season.
McCann is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract he signed with the New York Mets in December 2020. The Mets are covering the majority of McCann's salary, providing the Orioles with a valuable and experienced catcher for a fraction of the price.
The Orioles’ victory improved their record to 63-43, putting them 1 1/2 games ahead in the competitive AL East standings. As they push toward the postseason, the health and availability of McCann will be crucial.
Given the recent history of head injuries, the Orioles’ management will likely approach McCann’s condition with caution. On July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, sidelining him for eight days due to a concussion.
Reflecting on McCann's bravery, teammate Tyler Wells expressed his admiration, saying, "He really appreciated McCann's toughness."
The resilience and determination showcased by McCann highlight the intense nature of baseball, where players frequently have to overcome physical setbacks. His ability to maintain focus and contribute to the team's victory, even under physical duress, speaks volumes about his commitment and strength as a professional athlete.
As McCann awaits further medical evaluations, such as a CT scan to confirm the suspected broken nose, the Orioles will hope for a favorable outcome. The team’s ongoing success will heavily rely on the health and performance of its players, and McCann's role as a dependable backup catcher remains vital.
In the unforgiving world of professional baseball, moments like these underscore the grit and resilience required of players. McCann’s determination to stay in the game, despite a potential significant injury, serves as a reminder of the mental and physical toughness that defines elite athletes in the sport.
The Orioles will continue to monitor McCann’s condition closely. Should he need to step away from play to recover fully, the team will undoubtedly support him, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate contributions on the field. For now, James McCann's grit sets a powerful example for his teammates and fans alike.