In a display of remarkable resilience, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann showcased his toughness on Monday afternoon. The veteran catcher endured a harrowing moment after taking a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel RodrĂguez. Despite the severe impact, McCann continued to play, completing all nine innings in a gritty performance that contributed to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays in the first game of a doubleheader.
Trainer Brian Ebel swiftly attended to McCann and managed to stop the bleeding. Demonstrating true grit, McCann changed his blood-soaked jersey and returned to his position behind the plate, where he remained despite a noticeably swollen eye as the game progressed. Preliminary reports suggest that McCann may have a broken nose, and he is scheduled to undergo a CT scan to confirm the extent of his injuries.
Unfazed by the incident, McCann also produced at the plate, going 1 for 3 in the game, which included the hit-by-pitch. This performance comes as McCann is currently hitting .218/.273/.324 as the backup to Adley Rutschman. McCann's determination and resilience on the field have not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches.
"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," commented Orioles manager Brandon Hyde. The sentiment was echoed by teammate Tyler Wells, who expressed admiration for McCann’s toughness.
McCann is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract he inked with the New York Mets in December 2020, with the Mets footing the majority of his salary. His experience and leadership have been integral to the Orioles, whose victory on Monday propelled them to a 63-43 record, placing them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings.
This season has seen several Orioles players face challenging moments with pitches. Notably, on July 12, Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was struck in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, resulting in an eight-day absence and a stint on the concussion list. Given these recent experiences, Orioles' management is likely to exercise caution with McCann's condition in the coming days.
As the Orioles continue their pursuit for success in the AL East, McCann's health and availability will be crucial. The team will undoubtedly rely on his resilience and veteran presence as they navigate the remaining games of the season.
For James McCann, the grit and determination he displayed on Monday afternoon epitomize the indomitable spirit that fuels professional athletes. His unwavering commitment to his team, even in the face of imminent danger, underscores the invaluable role he plays for the Orioles, both on and off the field. As fans and teammates alike wait for the results of his CT scan, there is a collective sense of appreciation for a player who exemplifies the heart and toughness that define the spirit of baseball.