Cleveland Guardians first baseman David Fry was struck in the face by a 99 mph fastball from Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal on Tuesday night at Progressive Field.
The incident happened in the sixth inning when Fry's bunt attempt with runners on first and third led to Skubal's fastball missing the bat and hitting him directly around the nose region.
Immediately after, Fry was down, with trainers rushing to the field. He was subsequently carted off the field and initially hospitalized at Lutheran Medical Center, before being transferred to the Cleveland Clinic – Main Campus for further testing.
Here is the latest on Fry's injuries.
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Is David Fry okay?
The Guardians announced that Fry sustained "multiple minimally displaced left-sided facial and nasal fractures." He is expected to make a full recovery in 6-8 weeks and doesn't need surgery.
Manager Stephen Vogt said Fry is in "good spirits." The Guardians will keep Fry overnight for observation.
When it comes to facial injuries, the concerns revolve around breathing, vision, sinus damage, dental damage and possible neurological impact (concussion or brain injury). His overnight stay will be monitored for swelling, complications, or delayed onset of symptoms.
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Tarik Skubal reached out to David Fry after scary injury
After David Fry got hit in the face, Tarik Skubal had his hands over his head in disappointment. It was a scary moment for everyone involved on the field. The left-hander admitted that it was difficult to see the injury.
Skubal added that he has reached out to Fry and is hoping to receive a text back.
“I know sometimes with those things that can change," Skubal said. "So hopefully he’s all right. I look forward to hopefully at some point tonight or (Wednesday) morning getting a text from him and making sure he’s all good because there’s things that are bigger than the game and the health of him is more important than a baseball game.”
Skubal was not doing well with the command on Tuesday. He threw a wild pitch to George Valera, who replaced Fry, resulting in a run being scored. He also committed an error and a balk on the same night.