Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann displayed extraordinary grit and determination on Monday afternoon, continuing to play after taking a 94.6 mph fastball to the face from Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. In an act that showcased both his physical resilience and unwavering commitment to his team, McCann stayed behind the plate for the entirety of the nine innings, contributing to the Orioles' commanding 11-5 victory in the first game of a doubleheader.
Despite the severe impact, which left McCann's eye notably swollen as the game progressed, he managed to persevere and maintain his post for the rest of the game. His toughness did not go unnoticed by his teammates and management alike. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde praised McCann, 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."
Trainer Brian Ebel's timely intervention was crucial, as he successfully managed to halt the bleeding. McCann quickly changed his blood-soaked jersey and resumed his responsibilities behind the plate, demonstrating an exceptional level of dedication. Teammate Tyler Wells also expressed his admiration for McCann’s resilience, highlighting the collective respect his teammates have for him: "He really appreciated McCann's toughness."
McCann's efforts did not just involve defensive duties. Offensively, he went 1 for 3 in the game, which included the hit-by-pitch. His current season stats stand at a .218/.273/.324 slash line, providing solid backup support to starting catcher Adley Rutschman. The Orioles' victory lifted their record to 63-43, further solidifying their lead in the highly competitive AL East standings, placing them 1 1/2 games ahead.
The incident inevitably draws parallels to a recent event involving Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad, who was similarly struck in the head by a pitch from New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes on July 12, resulting in an eight-day absence and a stint on the concussion list. Such occurrences underline the inherent risks associated with the game and the importance of thorough medical evaluation and cautious management of player health.
McCann’s contract situation adds another layer to this narrative. Currently in the final year of a four-year, $40.6 million deal he signed with the New York Mets in December 2020, McCann’s salary remains largely covered by the Mets. His role as Rutschman’s backup makes his health and availability even more critical to the Orioles as they push deeper into the season.
Manager Hyde and the Orioles’ medical team will undoubtedly proceed with caution regarding McCann’s condition. Ensuring that he sustains no further injury will be a primary concern, especially given the suspicion of a broken nose that has yet to be confirmed by the pending CT scan.
McCann’s ability to return to action swiftly and his resilience in the face of adversity provide a significant morale boost for the Orioles. His display of toughness and professionalism resonates deeply within the clubhouse, setting a high standard for his teammates to follow as they continue to chase postseason ambitions.
In the high-stakes environment of Major League Baseball, moments like these not only define individual careers but also contribute to the team's collective identity. McCann’s performance, marked by his uncompromising spirit and dedication, encapsulates the attitudes and values that can propel a team toward enduring success.
As the Orioles navigate the challenges of the remainder of their season, the health and performance of players like McCann will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. For now, his courage under pressure stands as a testament to his character and commitment, earning him well-deserved recognition and respect across the league.