Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann displayed remarkable toughness on Monday afternoon, refusing to leave the game despite a harrowing incident. During the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays, McCann took a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from pitcher Yariel Rodríguez.
Continuing to Play Through Pain
The scene was unsettling as trainer Brian Ebel rushed to McCann's aid, skillfully managing to stop the bleeding. With true athletic grit, McCann changed his blood-soaked jersey and returned to his crucial position behind the plate. Displaying exceptional resilience, he completed all nine innings, contributing to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays.
Manager Brandon Hyde could not hold back his admiration. "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," Hyde stated.
McCann’s Performance and The Orioles' Standings
Despite the ordeal, McCann managed to go 1 for 3 in the game, including the hit-by-pitch. This season, McCann, who serves as Adley Rutschman's backup, is batting .218/.273/.324. He's in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, with the majority of his salary still being covered by the Mets.
The Orioles' win improved their record to 63-43, positioning them 1 1/2 games up in the AL East standings. McCann's presence and performance have proven valuable in the Orioles' pursuit of success this season, making his health and availability paramount for the team moving forward.
Teammate Tyler Wells expressed his appreciation for McCann’s resilience, noting, "He really appreciated McCann's toughness."
Injuries and Management’s Caution
This incident is not an isolated one for the Orioles. Just last month, Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, resulting in Kjerstad missing eight days on the concussion list. Such experiences have likely made the Orioles' management more cautious regarding players' conditions and recoveries.
McCann’s eye was notably swollen later in the game, and while initial assessments suggest a broken nose, further evaluations, including a CT scan, will determine the full extent of the damage. The determination and toughness McCann exhibited on the field are commendable, but his long-term health remains a primary concern for the Orioles.
Looking Ahead
As the Orioles continue their campaign in the AL East, McCann's health and availability will be closely monitored. The organization understands the importance of its players' well-being and will likely approach McCann's recovery with caution. His role as Rutschman’s backup and his impact on the team's defense and spirit are non-negligible.
The incident on Monday served as a stark reminder of the physical toll baseball can take, even as players like McCann showcase extraordinary dedication and bravery. The Orioles and their fans will be hoping for a swift and complete recovery for McCann, whose presence on the field embodies the true spirit of the game.