Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann displayed extraordinary resilience and determination during Monday afternoon's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite taking a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Blue Jays pitcher Yariel RodrÃguez, McCann continued to play, enduring all nine innings of the doubleheader opener and helping guide the Orioles to an 11-5 victory.
Immediately after the incident, McCann was attended to by trainer Brian Ebel, who efficiently managed to stop the bleeding. The sight of McCann changing his blood-soaked jersey and returning to his position behind the plate became a vivid testament to his toughness. As the game progressed, McCann's eye became noticeably swollen, yet he soldiered on, completing the game in a display that can only be described as gritty determination.
Despite the unrelenting impact of the fastball, which led to suspicions of a broken nose for McCann, the catcher remained undeterred. He contributed to the Orioles' victory both through his defensive prowess and at the plate, where he went 1 for 3, including the hit-by-pitch. His current season stats stand at .218/.273/.324, serving as a reliable backup for Adley Rutschman.
Manager Brandon Hyde spoke highly of McCann's tenacity: "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."
This incident isn't the first time the Orioles have seen one of their players take a troubling hit to the head from an opposing pitch. Just earlier in July, outfielder Heston Kjerstad was struck by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, leading to an eight-day stint on the concussion list. Such painful occurrences have prompted the Orioles' management to proceed cautiously with McCann's condition. His health and continued availability will play crucial roles in the Orioles' pursuit of success in the AL East.
Teammate Tyler Wells also expressed his admiration for McCann's bravery. "He really appreciated McCann's toughness," Wells commented, echoing the sentiment felt throughout the Orioles' clubhouse.
McCann, who is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, has provided solid support for the Orioles, both on the field and in the locker room. Notably, the Mets are covering the majority of McCann's salary this season, making his contribution to the Orioles even more valuable considering their financial flexibility.
The Orioles' triumph in Monday's game advanced their record to 63-43, increasing their lead in the AL East standings to 1 1/2 games. The team's performance has been buoyed by a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, creating a balanced approach that has proven effective throughout the season.
As McCann awaits his CT scan results, the Orioles and their fans remain hopeful that their resilient catcher will not face a prolonged absence. His performance, in the face of pain and adversity, has only further endeared him to the Orioles faithful, who have watched him become an integral part of their team's journey this season.
The team will undoubtedly proceed with caution, mindful of the danger of rushing McCann back too soon. Yet, his remarkable display of toughness serves as an inspiring reminder of the grit and dedication shared by professional athletes, perpetually pushing through boundaries for the love of the game and the pursuit of victory.