Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann showcased incredible toughness on Monday afternoon, continuing to play after enduring a brutal 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez.
Despite the painful and potentially serious impact, McCann remained in the game and saw it through to the end, playing all nine innings and contributing to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays in the first game of a doubleheader. His resilience not only impressed his teammates but also highlighted the crucial role he plays in the team's current success.
Trainer Brian Ebel immediately attended to McCann, managing to halt the bleeding. After changing his blood-soaked jersey, McCann returned to his post behind the plate. Although his eye became notably swollen later in the game, McCann’s fortitude did not waver.
“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,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, highlighting the tenacity McCann demonstrated in the face of adversity.
During the game, McCann managed to go 1 for 3, which included the hit-by-pitch. His current statistics as Adley Rutschman's backup stand at .218/.273/.324, a testament to his ability to maintain performance levels even under challenging situations.
McCann, who is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract he signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, has largely been paid by the Mets. The Orioles' victory improved their record to 63-43, and they are now 1 1/2 games up in the AL East standings.
Recent incidents further underscore the physical dangers faced by players. On July 12, Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, resulting in an eight-day absence due to being placed on the concussion list. The Orioles' management took cautious steps to ensure Kjerstad's well-being, and a similar approach is anticipated for McCann as well. Ensuring McCann's health and availability will be vital for the Orioles' ongoing success.
“He really appreciated McCann's toughness,” remarked teammate Tyler Wells, voicing the collective admiration and respect McCann earned from the team.
McCann’s bravery did not go unnoticed, as he played a pivotal role in maintaining the team’s momentum. His fortitude in powering through pain to help secure a win illustrates the immense dedication and grit required at the professional level, qualities that make McCann an indispensable asset to the Orioles.
The Orioles now look to navigate the complexities of maintaining their key player’s health without compromising their push in the standings. While exact details about the severity of McCann’s injury await the CT scan results, the signs point to a situation that could have been significantly more dire.
As the Orioles continue their campaign, McCann's experience will be closely monitored. His condition will likely dictate how the team strategizes in the coming days, balancing the necessity of his contribution with the overarching imperative of his full recovery.
Through such displays of resilience and teamwork, the Baltimore Orioles not only inch closer to their season goals but also set a standard for tenacity and commitment in the face of unexpected challenges. McCann's ordeal and response serve as a powerful reminder of the human element behind the game, one marked by courage and an unwavering spirit.