Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann exhibited extraordinary resilience and grit on Monday afternoon, making headlines for his fortitude after a brutal 94.6 mph fastball from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel RodrÃguez struck him in the face.
The forceful impact left the crowd and commentators in awe as McCann, despite the severe blow, continued to play through the entire nine innings. His unwavering determination was a significant factor in the Orioles' commanding 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays during the first game of a doubleheader.
Medical trainer Brian Ebel quickly attended to McCann, managing to stop the bleeding and assess the initial damage. McCann, displaying sheer perseverance, swapped out his blood-soaked jersey and resolutely returned to his duties behind the plate, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the team's defense.
Throughout the game, it became apparent that McCann's eye had notably swollen, indicating the gravity of the injury. Nevertheless, he pressed on, finishing the game with a 1-for-3 performance which included the hit-by-pitch.
The post-game sentiment suggested McCann may have sustained a broken nose, and he is scheduled to undergo a CT scan for a more accurate diagnosis. "He is incredibly, incredibly tough. Catches eight more innings after that," Orioles manager Brandon Hyde remarked. "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."
Despite his gritty performance, the Orioles' management is expected to approach McCann's condition with caution, aware of the long-term implications for the player and the team. The potential absence of McCann, who is currently hitting .218/.273/.324 as Adley Rutschman's backup, would undeniably impact the catching position's depth.
Teammates and coaches have voiced admiration for McCann's resilience. "He really appreciated McCann's toughness," shared teammate Tyler Wells, reflecting the collective sentiment in the clubhouse.
McCann is playing in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract initially signed with the New York Mets in December 2020. Notably, the Mets are bearing the brunt of McCann's salary, a financial detail that underscores the Orioles' strategic roster management.
The victory bolstered the Orioles' record to an impressive 63-43, placing them 1.5 games ahead in the fiercely competitive AL East standings. The team's performance this season has been marked by resilience and tenacity, traits epitomized by McCann's unwavering commitment on the field.
Recent injury scares, like the one involving McCann, have cast a spotlight on player safety and durability. Just earlier this month, Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, causing him to miss eight days due to being placed on the concussion list.
Given these incidents, the Orioles' management has likely become more attuned to the necessity of cautious and thorough medical evaluations to safeguard their players' health and, by extension, the team's ongoing success. McCann's health and availability are pivotal as the Orioles aim to maintain their momentum in the season's critical stretch.
McCann's unwavering dedication to remain on the field, despite formidable challenges, has resonated deeply within the Orioles' community and beyond. It serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and tenacity that define professional athletes and their relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of adversity.