In a display of incredible durability and determination, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann took a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez on Monday afternoon yet continued to play through the entirety of the game. The Orioles managed to secure an 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays in the first game of a doubleheader, due in part to McCann's resolute presence behind the plate.
After the intense impact of the pitch, which instantly raised concerns for his well-being, McCann received immediate medical attention from trainer Brian Ebel, who managed to stop the bleeding. McCann's commitment was clear as he changed his blood-soaked jersey and resumed his position behind the plate to finish all nine innings. Despite his eye becoming notably swollen later in the game, McCann's perseverance did not waver.
The resilience shown by McCann on the field was praised by both teammates and coaching staff. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde remarked, "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."
His fellow teammate, Tyler Wells, echoed this sentiment, stating that he "really appreciated McCann's toughness."
While McCann's toughness stood out, his contributions went beyond just his presence. He managed to go 1 for 3 in the game, including the hit-by-pitch. For a player currently hitting .218/.273/.324 as backup to Adley Rutschman, McCann's performance under such trying circumstances highlights his value to the Orioles, both offensively and defensively.
Currently in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract he originally signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, McCann’s salary is primarily covered by the Mets. Despite this, his role in Baltimore's successful season cannot be understated. The Orioles improved their record to 63-43 with the victory, further consolidating their position atop the AL East standings, now 1 1/2 games clear.
This incident brings to mind another recent event where an Orioles player took a pitch to the head. On July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, an incident that resulted in Kjerstad being placed on the concussion list and missing eight days. Given this recent history, the Orioles' management will undoubtedly handle McCann's potential injury with caution. The likely suspect—a broken nose—warrants a CT scan to ensure no further complications.
Ultimately, McCann's health and availability are crucial for the Orioles as they navigate their way through the season. His toughness and resolve are emblematic of the team's spirit, and his leadership behind the plate remains an invaluable asset. As the team pushes towards greater success, McCann’s role, both as a player and a mentor, will continue to be of paramount importance.