James McCann's Grit Carries Orioles to Victory
In a remarkable display of resilience, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann overcame a harrowing incident on Monday afternoon, continuing to play after taking a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. Despite the intense impact, McCann stayed in the game and completed all nine innings, contributing to the Orioles' 11-5 victory over the Blue Jays in the first game of a doubleheader.
The incident occurred early in the game, leading to immediate concern for McCann’s well-being. Trainer Brian Ebel rushed to his aid, expertly managing to stop the bleeding. After changing his blood-soaked jersey, McCann astonishingly returned to his position behind the plate, his eye noticeably swollen as the game progressed. Speculations of a broken nose were raised, and McCann is scheduled to undergo a CT scan to confirm the extent of his injuries.
“He is incredibly, incredibly tough,” said Orioles manager Brandon Hyde. “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.”
McCann's fortitude on the field is even more commendable considering his role as a backup to Adley Rutschman. He played a pivotal part in the Orioles' victory, managing to go 1 for 3 in the game, including the hit-by-pitch. Currently, McCann is hitting .218/.273/.324, providing valuable depth to the Orioles' roster. His presence and determination have not gone unnoticed by his teammates.
"He really appreciated McCann's toughness," said teammate Tyler Wells, reflecting the sentiment shared by the entire team.
The Orioles' management will likely take a cautious approach with McCann's condition moving forward, especially given the team's recent experience. On July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad was hit in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes and consequently missed eight days due to being placed on the concussion list. Given McCann’s importance to the team, the Orioles' management is expected to exercise similar caution to ensure his health and availability.
McCann, who is in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million contract he signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, sees the Mets paying the majority of his salary. Despite this, McCann’s contributions to the Orioles have been significant, and his presence is a vital element in the Orioles' ongoing success. The team’s victory improved their record to 63-43, placing them 1 1/2 games up in the AL East standings.
McCann's resilience and determination to remain in the game despite the injury epitomize the tenacity and spirit that the Orioles have displayed throughout the season. As they continue their campaign in the highly competitive AL East, the toughness and dedication of players like McCann will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their pursuit of success.
The incident serves as a reminder of the physical demands and risks associated with professional baseball, highlighting the athletes' remarkable toughness and dedication. McCann's performance, both in enduring the injury and contributing to the team's victory, underscores the sacrifices players make for their team and the sport.
As McCann prepares for further medical evaluation, the Orioles and their fans remain hopeful for a swift and complete recovery, looking forward to seeing him back in action, exemplifying the grit and perseverance that define their season.