The Baltimore Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday afternoon was highlighted by an extraordinary display of toughness from catcher James McCann. Despite being struck in the face by a 94.6 mph fastball thrown by Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez, McCann stayed in the game and completed all nine innings, proving his resilience and dedication to the team.
After the incident, trainer Brian Ebel attended to McCann. He managed to stop the bleeding, allowing McCann to change his blood-soaked jersey and return to his position behind the plate. As the game progressed, McCann's eye became notably swollen. The Orioles suspect that McCann has a broken nose, and he is scheduled for a CT scan to confirm the extent of his injuries.
Manager Brandon Hyde lauded McCann's fortitude, 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." The manager's words underscored McCann's commitment and the team's relief that the injury was not more severe.
McCann's performance in the game, where he went 1 for 3, including the fateful hit-by-pitch, illustrated his resilience. His efforts contributed to the Orioles' tally as they improved their record to 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games ahead in the AL East standings. McCann, who currently serves as a backup to Adley Rutschman, is hitting .218/.273/.324 this season. His contributions, both offensively and defensively, have been vital to the Orioles' success.
The resilience of the Orioles' roster has been tested recently, with outfielder Heston Kjerstad also experiencing a head injury after being hit by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes on July 12. Kjerstad was placed on the concussion list and missed eight days of play. This recent string of injuries has undoubtedly prompted the Orioles' management to be cautious with their players' health and availability moving forward.
McCann's condition will likely be monitored closely, given his importance to the team. "He really appreciated McCann's toughness," said teammate Tyler Wells, reflecting a sentiment shared throughout the locker room. McCann's ability to endure pain and continue playing not only demonstrates his personal tenacity but also serves as an inspiration to his teammates.
The stakes are high as the Orioles continue their push in the highly competitive AL East. McCann, currently in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, has demonstrated his value time and again. The Mets are shouldering the majority of McCann's salary, a detail that underscores the Orioles' strategic management of their roster.
Monday's doubleheader, culminating in a victory with McCann's gritty performance, may well be a defining moment in the Orioles' season. Beyond the statistics and standings, the narrative of resilience, determination, and teamwork is what makes baseball a beloved sport. McCann's actions on the field embody these qualities and remind fans and players alike of the human spirit that underpins the game.
Looking ahead, the Orioles will undoubtedly prioritize McCann's health as they continue their campaign. His tenacity has set a high bar for the team, instilling confidence that they can overcome adversities and maintain their position atop the standings. McCann’s story isn't merely about a game won; it’s about the heart and grit of a player who wouldn’t back down.
As the Orioles inch closer to potential playoff contention, every player’s contribution counts. McCann’s story on Monday was more than just an impressive display of toughness; it was a testament to his commitment to the team's success. The coming days will reveal more about his condition and the extent of his injuries, but one thing is certain: James McCann has already proven he’s as tough as they come.