In a testament to extraordinary resilience, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann displayed formidable toughness on Monday afternoon, continuing to play after being struck in the face with a fastball clocked at 94.6 mph delivered by Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel RodrÃguez.
Despite the significant impact, McCann completed all nine innings, contributing to the Orioles' decisive 11-5 triumph over the Blue Jays in the first game of their doubleheader. Trainer Brian Ebel's prompt intervention on the field stopped the bleeding, enabling McCann to change his blood-soaked jersey and return to his post behind the plate.
Throughout the game, McCann's eye became notably swollen, and it is suspected that he suffered a broken nose, prompting a scheduled CT scan to determine the exact extent of the injury. His perseverance on the field was remarkable, batting 1 for 3 in the game, which included the hit-by-pitch.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde praised McCann's endurance, stating, "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, currently hitting .218/.273/.324, serves as a backup to Adley Rutschman. This season's performance unfolds as he plays out the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, with the Mets covering the majority of his salary. His veteran presence behind the plate is a crucial component for the Orioles, particularly in light of recent events.
Just over two weeks prior, on July 12, Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad experienced a similar scenario when a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes hit him in the head. Kjerstad's injury resulted in an eight-day stint on the concussion list, underscoring the precarious nature of these on-field incidents. Accordingly, the Orioles' management is expected to exercise caution with McCann's condition moving forward, ensuring his health and readiness align with the team's goals.
The Orioles' victory in this game brought their record to 63-43, positioning them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings. This competitive edge in a tightly contested division further underscores the importance of McCann's well-being and contributions to the team.
Teammate Tyler Wells also appreciated McCann's grit, emphasizing the veteran catcher's resilience and determination to stay in the game.
"He really appreciated McCann's toughness," Wells stated, a sentiment likely echoed throughout the Orioles' clubhouse.
McCann's display of toughness and commitment amidst adversity offers a significant morale boost for the Orioles. As the team continues its campaign in the AL East, his health and availability will be vital elements in sustaining their momentum and achieving ongoing success.