Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann displayed an extraordinary level of toughness on Monday, showing resilience that left fans and teammates in awe. In a dramatic game against the Toronto Blue Jays, McCann took a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from pitcher Yariel Rodríguez but remarkably continued to play, leading his team to an 11-5 victory in the first game of a doubleheader.
The impact was severe, and it seemed unlikely that any player would stay on the field. However, as trainer Brian Ebel rushed to his aid, McCann managed to compose himself. Ebel was able to stop the bleeding and, after a quick jersey change, McCann resumed his duties behind the plate. Despite the immense pain and a visibly swollen eye later in the game, McCann finished all nine innings.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde was effusive in his praise for McCann's bravery. "He is incredibly, incredibly tough," Hyde commented. "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 Game-Winning Spirit
Playing through such adversity, McCann went 1 for 3, which included the hit-by-pitch. His resilience undoubtedly played a part in energizing the team, contributing significantly to the victory that improved the Orioles' record to 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games ahead in the competitive AL East standings. Teammate Tyler Wells also recognized McCann's incredible fortitude, stating, "He really appreciated McCann's toughness."
It's noteworthy that McCann, who serves as the backup to Adley Rutschman, is hitting .218/.273/.324 this season. He’s in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract originally signed with the New York Mets in December 2020. Despite being with the Orioles, the Mets are covering the majority of his salary.
Historical Context and Precautionary Measures
Injuries from pitches are not a new challenge for the Orioles. Just a few weeks earlier, on July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad experienced a similar incident. He was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes and subsequently missed eight days while on the concussion list. Given this recent history, the Orioles' management is expected to handle McCann's condition with great caution.
McCann's availability will be crucial for the Orioles as they navigate the remainder of the season. His role as a dependable backup catcher and his ability to play through pain lend a significant boost to the team’s morale and performance.
Looking Ahead
As the Orioles continue their campaign, McCann’s health will be closely monitored. The expected CT scan will provide further insights into the extent of his injury. Nevertheless, his determination to stay in the game, despite the apparent agony, exemplifies the spirit of a team player dedicated to his craft and his teammates.
The Orioles will likely tread carefully, considering McCann's critical role. Maintaining player safety while striving for success will be a balancing act, particularly as the team has now placed itself in a prime position within the AL East standings. McCann’s bravery could serve as an inspiration, galvanizing the team as they push for continued success in the season.
This incident underscores not only McCann's personal resilience but also the collective tenacity of the Orioles. As they rally around their injured catcher, the team’s focus will be on finishing the season strong, buoyed by the courage and commitment displayed by McCann on that fateful Monday afternoon.