Guardians' David Fry Hit in the Face by 99-MPH Fastball on bunt; Skubal Shocked as Guardians Rally

Bottom of the sixth inning at Progressive Field, the Guardians trailed Detroit 2-1 with runners on the corners and none out when Cleveland designated hitter David Fry squared to bunt off Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The 99-mph fastball was inside, and as Fry made contact with the pitch, it hit the top of his bat and deflected into his face. Fry collapsed to the dirt at home plate in immediate pain, and Skubal dropped his glove and hat in visible shock as teammates and training staff rushed to the scene. Because the ball contacted the bat before hitting Fry, it was ruled a foul ball and the count subsequently went to 2-2. Pinch hitter George Valera came in to finish Fry's at-bat and would stay in for the remainder of the game.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt and medical staff attended to Fry, who rose to his feet with blood streaming from his nose. He was escorted off the field by a cart, and his night was over. The interruption paused a pivotal moment in a tight game, but Cleveland would try to capitalize on the disruption as play resumed.

After the delay, Skubal's first pitch following the stoppage was wild, allowing the tying run to score from third and bringing Jose Ramirez to second. The miscue helped erase Cleveland's deficit and left the Tigers briefly on their heels. Then Skubal balked, giving Ramirez a free advance to third and allowing him to score on a groundout to first base to push Cleveland ahead 3-2 as they headed into the seventh.

Tarik Skubal has established himself as one of baseball's premier pitchers. The 2024 American League Cy Young Award winner entered the game with an AL-leading 2.23 ERA over 189.1 innings pitched, a line that had helped him anchor Detroit’s rotation. His night, however, was overshadowed by the moment of contact at the plate and the Guardians’ ensuing rally, which altered the game’s momentum at a critical juncture.

The game carried substantial playoff implications. Cleveland entered the night one game behind Detroit as the teams began a three-game regular-season series that could determine the division title and a potential path to the postseason. Each remaining game carried added significance as both clubs jostled for position with only a handful of contests left on the schedule. The Guardians, fueled by the late-inning rally, looked to seize momentum in a series that would help shape October plans. The Tigers, looking to solidify their lead in the division, faced a surprising turn in a game that unfolded with high drama and a graphic reminder of the risks players face on the field.