Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann displayed remarkable toughness on Monday afternoon, continuing to play after taking a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez.
Enduring the intense impact, McCann stayed in the game and completed all nine innings, contributing to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays in the first game of a doubleheader. Trainer Brian Ebel quickly attended to McCann, managing to stop the bleeding. Despite the injury, McCann changed his blood-soaked jersey and courageously returned to his position behind the plate.
Remarkable Resilience
McCann’s resilience was evident as he went on to finish the game. His eye was notably swollen later in the game, yet he went 1-for-3, which included the hit-by-pitch. According to Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, "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."
The catcher’s performance and grit were greatly appreciated by his teammates. "He really appreciated McCann's toughness," commented Tyler Wells, highlighting the admiration felt across the clubhouse.
Injury Concerns
Although McCann managed to push through the game, there are ongoing concerns about his condition. The team suspects he may have sustained a broken nose and has scheduled a CT scan to confirm the extent of the injury. Given the physicality of McCann's role and the apparent severity of the impact, Orioles' management will likely err on the side of caution in the coming days. The team is well aware of the potential impact on McCann’s health and availability, critical elements in the Orioles' continued success.
McCann is currently hitting .218/.273/.324 as the backup to Adley Rutschman. In his final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, the Mets are paying the majority of McCann's salary.
Historical Context
In a chilling reminder of how dangerous the game can be, Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes just weeks earlier on July 12 and missed eight days. Kjerstad’s brief stint on the concussion list underscores the inherent dangers and the Orioles' need for vigilant medical management moving forward.
Team Performance
The Orioles' victory in the game improved their record to 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games up in the AL East standings. The win is a testament to the team's determination and resilience, traits embodied in McCann’s relentless spirit. Such individual displays of courage and tenacity contribute to a collective team ethos that is vital for success, especially as the season progresses towards the playoffs.
McCann’s health remains a priority. While his unwavering perseverance provides a moral boost, Orioles' management will need to assess his condition carefully. McCann's availability will be crucial as the team navigates the latter part of the season, vying for dominance in the highly competitive AL East.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices and risks professional athletes take, and the thin line between triumphant performance and serious injury. The resilience shown by McCann is inspiring, turning a moment of potential disaster into a story of extraordinary mental and physical toughness.