Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann demonstrated astounding resilience on Monday afternoon, showing a level of toughness that will be remembered long after the final pitch was thrown. In a dramatic turn of events during the Orioles' first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays, McCann took a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. Remarkably, despite the intense impact, McCann stayed in the game and completed all nine innings, contributing to the Orioles' 11-5 victory.
The incident occurred early in the game and could have sidelined McCann immediately. Trainer Brian Ebel quickly attended to McCann, managing to stop the bleeding on the field. After changing his blood-soaked jersey, McCann returned to his critical role behind the plate, much to the admiration of his teammates and fans alike.
As the game progressed, McCann’s eye became noticeably swollen, hinting at the severity of the impact he had endured. Despite this, McCann maintained his composure and focus, a testament to his dedication and toughness. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde lauded McCann's grit, 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's perseverance did not go unnoticed by his teammates either. Fellow Orioles player Tyler Wells appreciated McCann’s resilience, emphasizing, "He really appreciated McCann's toughness." Such displays of determination and courage can galvanize a team, especially during pivotal moments in a season.
In terms of performance, McCann went 1 for 3 in the game, including the hit-by-pitch. Currently hitting .218/.273/.324 as Adley Rutschman's backup, McCann’s efforts behind the plate are invaluable, not just for the statistics he provides, but also for the tenacity he exhibits on the field.
The Orioles' victory was a significant boost to their season, improving their record to 63-43 and placing them 1 1/2 games up in the AL East standings. However, this game also highlighted the ongoing risks players face, as McCann’s incident followed an earlier, similar event where outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes on July 12, which resulted in an eight-day absence and a spot on the concussion list.
Taking into account recent events, Orioles' management will likely be cautious with McCann’s condition moving forward. His health and availability are crucial to the team's ongoing success, particularly as they aim for a strong finish to the season. The team will be anticipating the results of McCann’s upcoming CT scan to determine the extent of his injuries and to plan accordingly.
McCann is currently in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract signed with the New York Mets in December 2020. The Mets are paying a substantial portion of his salary. This positioning underscores the Orioles' strategic management in maintaining a solid roster without straining their financial flexibility.
The Orioles' handling of player safety and health is paramount, as incidents like these have far-reaching effects both on and off the field. McCann's ability to endure such a traumatic event and still perform exceptionally will inspire his teammates and the Baltimore fanbase. His contribution doesn't just stop at his batting or fielding statistics; it resonates through his sheer determination to stay in the game and support his team under extraordinarily challenging circumstances.
As the Orioles continue their campaign, McCann’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the physical toll that athletes often endure and the resilience that defines their professional journey. His brave performance in the face of adversity has not only secured an important victory for his team but has also cemented his reputation as one of the toughest players on the roster.