Skubal visits Fry after 99 mph pitch leaves Guardians DH with facial, nasal fractures

Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers hit Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry in the face with a 99 mph fastball while Fry was bunting in the sixth inning of Tuesday night's 5-2 Guardians win at Progressive Field. Fry suffered multiple minimally displaced left-sided facial and nasal fractures and is expected to recover fully in 6-8 weeks without surgery, the Guardians announced Wednesday. He was initially taken to Lutheran Medical Center and later transferred to the Cleveland Clinic main campus, where he was discharged and resting comfortably.

Skubal, visibly upset after the incident, asked to see Fry in person. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt offered to drive him to the hospital, and Vogt did so with Skubal. Skubal, Vogt and several Guardians players visited Fry after the game. Fry's wife, Rebekah, was not in town Tuesday but arrived in Cleveland on Wednesday to be with him.

Skubal spoke to reporters Wednesday about the visit, saying he was glad to see Fry in good spirits. "That was pretty cool," he said, via The Athletic. "I think that speaks volumes about who they are over there and the guys that they got." Guardians manager Stephen Vogt described Fry as being in a good place despite the pain, adding that, life-wise, he would be OK.

Fry's injury paused a crucial American League Central matchup, and the Guardians confirmed he will miss time but is expected to recover without surgery. The club noted that Fry, who has served as a designated hitter, is on the road to a full recovery over the coming weeks. Fry's wife arrived in Cleveland on Wednesday to join him as he rests and heals.

The incident underscored the rapid human side of a divisional contest, with players from both teams offering support and comfort as Fry begins the long recovery process.