Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann exemplified unprecedented resilience and determination on Monday afternoon as he persevered through a severe challenge during the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays. McCann withstood a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez, a daunting blow which might have sidelined many players immediately.
Trainer Brian Ebel promptly attended to McCann, managing to halt the bleeding effectively. Displaying sheer grit, McCann switched out his blood-stained jersey and retook his defensive position behind the plate. Despite the visible aftermath—a notably swollen eye—McCann remained in the game for all nine innings, contributing significantly to the Orioles' 11-5 triumph.
The aftermath of the incident has raised concerns about a suspected broken nose for McCann. He is scheduled to undergo a CT scan to assess the extent of the injury. Despite these adversities, McCann managed a hit in three at-bats during the game, including the hit-by-pitch.
Reflecting on McCann's hardiness, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde commented, "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 as the backup to Adley Rutschman, is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract inked with the New York Mets in December 2020. The majority of McCann’s salary is still being paid by the Mets. His performance and steadfastness are critical to the Orioles' progression in the season.
Tyler Wells, McCann’s teammate, expressed admiration for McCann’s resilience, stating, "He really appreciated McCann's toughness."
McCann's durability and commitment won't just resonate within the Orioles' clubhouse but can set a precedent for professional baseball’s ethos. His courage signifies the profound dedication athletes exhibit to their sport and team.
The Orioles, improving their record to 63-43 with this victory, now hold a 1 1/2 game lead in the AL East standings. Sustaining such superiority necessitates the availability and health of pivotal players like McCann. Consequently, the Orioles' management is expected to exercise caution with McCann’s condition, recognizing his integral role in the squad's ongoing pursuit of success.
Notably, the Orioles have faced similar incidents recently. On July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, leading to an eight-day absence as he was placed on the concussion list.
Such instances emphasize the physical toll the game can exact on its players and the bravery required to continually face such risks. For McCann, continuing not only to play but to perform after such an ordeal underscores an exceptional standard of toughness and professional pride that his team and fans alike will remember.
As the Orioles look to maintain their momentum and secure their standing in a highly competitive division, the focus will inevitably linger on the condition and availability of players like McCann. His ability to endure pain and remain on the field mirrors the spirit of a team vying to convert their current success into a lasting legacy.