URGENT UPDATE: Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry is hospitalized with a broken nose and facial fractures after being struck by a devastating 99 mph fastball from Tarik Skubal during the sixth inning of the Guardians’ 5-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers on June 26, 2023.
In a shocking turn of events, Fry attempted to bunt when the pitch hit him squarely in the face, leading to immediate chaos on the field at Progressive Field. Manager Stephen Vogt reported early Wednesday morning that Fry is in “good spirits” and has been alert following the incident. “He is doing OK. He’s upright,” Vogt confirmed.
The frightening moment unfolded as Fry collapsed in the batter’s box, visibly injured and bloodied. Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, was seen shaken as he removed his glove and cap while trainers rushed to Fry’s aid. “It was straight to the face,” Vogt described, highlighting the gravity of the situation that left everyone in attendance rattled.
“We’re all thinking about David and his family right now,” Vogt added.
Fry was transported from Lutheran Medical Center to Cleveland Clinic Main Campus for further testing and observation. Eyewitnesses reported that Fry lay on the field for several minutes before being helped to his feet, eventually giving a thumbs-up as he was carted off. His resilience shone through even in such a distressing moment.
Skubal expressed deep concern for Fry post-game, stating, “Really tough. I just want to make sure he’s all right.” He acknowledged the emotional weight of the incident, saying, “There are things that are bigger than the game, and the health of him is more important than a baseball game.”
Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan, who has played alongside Fry throughout the season, shared his fears after witnessing the incident. “Definitely really scary,” Kwan remarked. “For David to even try something like that, that’s just who he is. He’s a tough guy.” Fry’s spirit and humor were noted as he was taken off the field, indicating his determination to recover.
The Guardians are expected to provide a more detailed update on Fry’s condition later today. Meanwhile, following the incident, Skubal struggled, allowing a wild pitch that enabled the Guardians to score, illustrating the emotional toll the event took on both teams.
This shocking incident raises concerns about player safety in high-speed sports and highlights the courage of athletes like Fry who put their bodies on the line for the team. As fans and teammates await further news, Fry’s condition remains a top priority.
Stay tuned for updates as the Guardians continue to monitor Fry’s recovery and the implications it may have on the team moving forward.