Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann displayed remarkable resilience and toughness on Monday afternoon, continuing to play after being struck in the face by a 94.6 mph fastball from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. The incident occurred during the first game of a doubleheader at Camden Yards, yet McCann remained undeterred.
Trainer Brian Ebel immediately rushed to McCann’s aid, managing to stop the bleeding and stabilizing him enough to return to the game. After changing his blood-soaked jersey, McCann resumed his position behind the plate and went on to catch all nine innings, contributing to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays.
McCann’s determination did not go unnoticed by his teammates and management. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde praised the catcher’s resilience, 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." His teammate, Tyler Wells, echoed similar sentiments, expressing his admiration for McCann’s fortitude.
Throughout the game, McCann's eye became notably swollen, a visible testament to the impact he endured. Despite the pain, he managed to go 1 for 3 in his at-bats, with the hit-by-pitch being one of his three plate appearances. His courage on the field is reflective of his career, where he serves as a vital backstop for starting catcher Adley Rutschman.
Currently hitting .218/.273/.324, McCann is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract he signed with the New York Mets in December 2020. The Mets are paying the majority of McCann's salary, but his contributions to the Orioles are invaluable, especially as they aim for a strong performance in the AL East. The Orioles’ win improved their record to 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games up in the division standings.
McCann’s incident brings back memories of a similar event earlier in the month when Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes. Kjerstad missed eight days and was placed on the concussion list, a prudent measure by the Orioles’ management. Given this recent history, it is expected that the team will exercise similar caution regarding McCann's condition.
The importance of McCann’s health and availability cannot be understated as the Orioles continue their quest for postseason success. His unwavering commitment to the team, even at the expense of his personal well-being, underscores his integral role in the Orioles’ lineup. The impending CT scan will provide further insights, but early indications suggest that McCann has managed to avoid any severe head or eye trauma, a small blessing given the circumstances.
As the Orioles prepare for the rest of the doubleheader and beyond, the focus will undoubtedly be on ensuring that McCann receives the necessary medical attention and rest. His ability to shake off the hit and contribute to the team's victory is a testament to his professionalism and dedication, qualities that have made him a respected figure in the clubhouse.
James McCann’s tough-as-nails performance on Monday is a reminder of the kind of grit and determination that defines professional athletes. In a sport where the margin for error is razor-thin, his willingness to stay in the game after such a brutal hit exemplifies the resilience and heart that every team aspires to have. As the Orioles continue their season, McCann's courage will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration for his teammates and fans alike.