Baltimore Orioles Catcher James McCann Shows Grit After Taking Fastball to the Face

In a dramatic display of resilience, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann endured a painful incident during the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. McCann was struck in the face by a 94.6 mph fastball from Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodríguez while at bat in a bases-loaded situation, contributing to an early 3-0 lead for the Orioles. Despite the severity of the hit, which left him visibly shaken and resulted in a bloody nose, McCann refused to leave the game. Following the incident, McCann received immediate medical attention from the Orioles' head athletic trainer, changed his jersey, and continued to play. His determination did not go unnoticed, with teammates and fans expressing admiration for his toughness. Pitcher Tyler Wells took to social media to voice his support, stating, "I would go to war every single day for James McCann," highlighting the respect McCann commands within the team. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde also expressed relief that McCann was able to continue after the frightening incident. However, he noted concerns about the possibility of a broken nose, indicating the seriousness of the situation. McCann's bravery in the face of injury has not only showcased his commitment to the team but has also solidified his reputation as a tough competitor in Major League Baseball.