Guardians' David Fry avoids long-term brain injury after 99 mph fastball to the face
Fry is in pain but has been cleared of brain or head injuries; Tarik Skubal visited the hospital to check on him after the freak accident
Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry was rushed to a hospital after a 99 mph fastball drilled him in the face while he was attempting to bunt on Tuesday night. The frightening moment halted the game as Fry collapsed near home plate and medical staff moved quickly to treat him around the diamond before he was transported for further evaluation.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt provided an update before Wednesday's game against Detroit, saying Fry was injured and in significant pain but appeared to be free of any brain or head injuries. He stressed that while broken bones can heal, the priority is Fry's overall safety and long-term well-being.
Doctors later said Fry suffered multiple minimally displaced fractures to facial bones and the nasal area. He remains under hospital observation, with medical staff monitoring for swelling and any delayed symptoms.
The other player involved, Detroit Tigers right-hander Tarik Skubal, also came to the hospital. The Tigers ace accompanied Vogt to check on Fry and later visited him in the hospital. He expressed regret about the incident and said he had not watched a replay of the moment.
On the field, Skubal showed visible distress after the pitch — he paced near the mound as Guardians medical staff attended Fry, and a Guardians announcer recalled a sudden hush sweeping through the ballpark as fans realized the severity of the collision.
Fry squared to bunt against one of the game's hardest throwers when the ball struck his nose and mouth, deflecting off his bat and onto the diamond. The blow left Fry clutching his face and immediately drew medical attention.
Vogt indicated that Fry would be evaluated further and that the club would provide updates as more information became available. The incident came during Tuesday's game between the Guardians and the Tigers, and the club planned to resume play on Wednesday as they prepared to face Detroit again.
While the initial scare was mitigated by the medical update, the episode underscored the dangers of line-drive contact and prompted swift medical and administrative responses. Fry and Skubal both returned to the clubhouse with the teams to continue their recovery and reflection on the incident.