Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann demonstrated remarkable resilience on Monday afternoon, continuing to play despite taking a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. McCann's extraordinary toughness was on full display as he caught all nine innings, contributing to the Orioles' 11-5 victory in the first game of a doubleheader.
Following the incident, trainer Brian Ebel attended to McCann, stopping the bleeding from the impact. Undeterred by the intense collision, McCann changed his blood-soaked jersey and resumed his position behind the plate. Later in the game, McCann’s eye appeared notably swollen, raising concerns about his condition.
Initial assessments suggested that McCann might have a broken nose, and he was scheduled to undergo a CT scan. Despite the possible injury, McCann went 1 for 3 in the game, including the hit-by-pitch. His current batting average stands at .218/.273/.324 as the backup to Adley Rutschman.
McCann is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract that he signed with the New York Mets in December 2020. The Mets are covering the majority of his salary, a detail that highlights the Orioles' shrewd transactional decisions.
Impact on Orioles’ Season
With the victory over the Blue Jays, the Orioles improved their record to 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings. McCann’s health and availability will be crucial for the Orioles as they aim to maintain their strong position in the competitive division.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde expressed his admiration for McCann’s toughness: "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."
Teammate Tyler Wells echoed Hyde’s sentiments: "He really appreciated McCann's toughness." Such resilience becomes a pivotal element, especially during the late stages of a playoff push.
Previous Incidents and Team Caution
McCann's incident conjures recent memories of another Orioles player, Heston Kjerstad, who was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes on July 12. Kjerstad missed eight days and was placed on the concussion list, underlining the importance of precautions when dealing with head injuries.
The Orioles’ management will likely exercise caution regarding McCann's condition, mindful of the potential risks associated with returning too soon from such injuries. Ensuring McCann's full recovery will be a priority for the team as they pursue their postseason aspirations.
James McCann’s fortitude on the field sets a powerful example for his teammates and fans alike. His ability to maintain composure and contribute under adverse circumstances underscores his value to the Orioles. As the team progresses, McCann's health and impact on the diamond will remain a crucial aspect of their journey.