Guardians’ David Fry Suffers Broken Nose After Being Hit In Face With 99-MPH Ball, Will Be Out 6-8 Weeks

Cleveland Guardians‘ hitter David Fry suffered a broken nose and facial fractures while in a game against the Detroit Tigers from a 99-mph fastball to the face from Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. He was hit while trying to bunt, but missed and immediately fell to the ground and grabbed his bloody face. Guardians’ Manager Stephan Vogt stated, “He is OK, and is expected to return in six to eight weeks.”

The Guardians were up (3-2) in the sixth and looking strong when Fry went up to bat and attempted to bunt the ball. He barely missed and was hit square in the face. Skubal, along with Vogt and trainers, frantically ran over to help him, while Fry lay in the batter’s box, bloodied and in pain, for several minutes before slowly getting up and giving a thumbs-up to signal that he was ok. He was then brought to the hospital for examination shortly after.

Despite the traumatic event, the Guardians capitalized and won the game (5-2). After Fry left the field, George Valera came on as a pinch hitter. He struck out, but Cleveland did not give up. Still in the sixth inning, a rattled Skubal threw a wild pitch, allowing Angel Martínez to score from third base. He then also committed a balk, allowing Cleveland to tie the game and keep their momentum alive.

Fortunately, Fry does not need surgery and will fully recover soon. The Guardians placed Fry on the 10-day injured list and recalled outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez to fill his spot. Fry’s absence leaves a gap in the Guardians’ lineup, as he is capable of contributing both defensively and offensively.

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Article by Ed Middlecoff