On Monday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles' resilience was on full display in their commanding 11-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. A key storyline from the game centered around Orioles catcher James McCann, who showcased an extraordinary level of toughness. In an inspiring display, McCann continued to play after being struck in the face by a 94.6 mph fastball from Blue Jays' pitcher Yariel Rodríguez.
Despite the intense impact, McCann's determination was unwavering. Trainer Brian Ebel rushed to McCann's aid, successfully managing to stop the bleeding. After changing his blood-soaked jersey, McCann returned to the field, assuming his position behind the plate and completing all nine innings. His steadfastness was instrumental as the Orioles secured their 63rd win of the season, improving their record to 63-43 and solidifying their position atop the AL East standings.
Defying the Odds
Manager Brandon Hyde couldn't help but express admiration for McCann’s fortitude. "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," Hyde stated postgame.
McCann’s perseverance didn't go unnoticed by his teammates either. Tyler Wells, one of McCann's teammates, noted his admiration, stating, "He really appreciated McCann's toughness."
McCann's eye was notably swollen later in the game, and suspicions arose about a potential broken nose, warranting a CT scan for further evaluation. Despite the injury, McCann managed to go 1 for 3 at the plate, which included the hit-by-pitch incident.
Concern Over Safety
This incident comes on the heels of another frightening moment for the Orioles. On July 12, outfielder Heston Kjerstad endured a hit to the head from a pitch by New York Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes, subsequently missing eight days and being placed on the concussion list. Given these recent events, the Orioles' management is likely to exercise caution with McCann's condition moving forward, ensuring his health and safety remain a priority.
McCann is currently hitting .218/.273/.324, serving as a backup to rising star Adley Rutschman. His role as a reliable backup catcher cannot be understated, especially given the Orioles' rise in the standings. McCann's performance and availability will undoubtedly be vital to the team's continued success as the season progresses.
Financial Context
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, has the majority of his salary covered by the Mets. Despite financial factors playing a part, McCann's contributions on the field remain invaluable to the Orioles, particularly in moments that test both physical and mental endurance.
The Orioles' victory on Monday, coupled with their current standing, underscores the importance of team depth and resilience. While McCann's injury saga adds a layer of concern, it also highlights the formidable spirit within the Orioles' clubhouse. As the team continues its campaign, the health and performance of players like McCann will be closely monitored, ensuring they remain competitive in what is shaping up to be a thrilling pennant race.
For now, fans and teammates can only admire the grit and tenacity showcased by McCann, whose willingness to play through pain epitomizes the heart and soul of the Baltimore Orioles. The coming days will reveal more about his health status and the team's strategy moving forward, but one thing is clear: James McCann's remarkable toughness has not gone unnoticed.