Designated batter David Frye hit the face with a 99 mph fastball thrown by pitcher Tarik Scuball at Ohio Progressive Field on Tuesday.
During the sixth at-bat, Fly had attempted a bunt when the ball completely missed the bat and slammed him in the area of his nose and mouth. He fell to the ground and stayed there for a few minutes while being treated by medical staff.
Fry was eventually able to walk to the cart under his own power. The 2024 American League All-Star gave him a thumbs-up signal when he was being kicked out of the field. The Guardian later said Fry was undergoing tests and observations.
“He’s being tested,” Guardians manager Stephen Fogg told reporters after the game. “He kept himself aware the whole time. He’s definitely injured so I’ll be updating him tomorrow with David.”
Vogt added: “We’re all thinking about Dave and his family right now. Obviously, we’re happy he’s OK, but obviously it’s a really scary moment. So (we’re) thinking about him.”
When the incident happened, Skubal responded with fear from the mound, quickly dropping his gloves, removing his hat and covering his face with his hands. The 2024 American League Cy Young Award winner later told reporters that it was “really difficult” to see such a fly.
“I’ve already reached out to him. I’m sure his phone is exploding. I just want to make sure he’s OK,” Skubal said. “It seems obviously he was OK to come out of the field and he was fine, hopefully just as it is.
“I know it can change from time to time, so he’s fine. I hope I get a text from him tonight or (Wednesday) and make sure he’s all good, as it’s bigger than the game and his health is more important than the game in baseball.”
Cleveland won Game 5-2 and after overtaking 15½ games this summer, he pulled into a tie with Detroit at the top of the AL Central Division.
