CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) — Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry was injured after being hit in the face by a pitch from Detroit’s Tarik Skubal during the sixth inning of a recent game. The Guardians won the game 5-2, which left them in a tie for first place in the AL Central division.
Fry suffered a broken nose and facial fractures. Fortunately, manager Stephen Vogt reported that Fry was in good spirits after the incident. He mentioned Fry was alert and recovering in the hospital, although they planned to provide more details later.
The injury occurred when Fry attempted to bunt a fastball clocked at 99 mph. As the ball struck him in the face, he fell to the ground, visibly shaken. Skubal looked distraught, removing his cap and glove while medical staff rushed to Fry’s aid.
Fry eventually received assistance to get up and gave a thumbs-up before being carted off the field. He was transferred from Lutheran Medical Center to the Cleveland Clinic for further evaluation.
Vogt noted the seriousness of the situation, acknowledging everyone’s concern for Fry and his family. Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, shared his worry for Fry and expressed hope that he’d recover quickly.
“It’s really tough,” Skubal said after the game. “I just want to make sure he’s alright. His health is more important than a baseball game.”
Fry’s teammate, left fielder Steven Kwan, echoed these sentiments. He expressed the fear that accompanied seeing Fry go down, highlighting Fry’s determination and team spirit. Kwan believes Fry’s presence has been invaluable to the team’s energy this season.
After the incident, Skubal struggled on the mound, throwing a wild pitch that allowed Cleveland to score without making solid contact. His performance faltered further with an error and a balk, leading to a significant turnaround for the Guardians in the inning.
Injuries like Fry’s serve as stark reminders of the risks athletes face. According to the National Injury Prevention Coalition, about 1.5 million sports-related injuries occur annually in the U.S. Many are preventable with proper safety precautions. Fry’s situation has sparked discussions on social media about player safety and the importance of protective gear in baseball.
As Fry recovers, fans and teammates alike are hopeful for a speedy return. The community surrounding the Guardians continues to rally behind him, as the season progresses amidst both triumphs and trials.
For further details on player injuries and safety measures, you can check out AP MLB.
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