Guardians’ David Fry Injured by Pitch, Hospitalized Overnight/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry was hospitalized Tuesday night after being hit in the face by a 99 mph fastball during a win over the Detroit Tigers. The incident stunned teammates, fans, and even Detroit pitcher Tarik Skubal, who expressed deep concern. Cleveland’s comeback victory tied the AL Central race, adding drama to an already heated division battle.
David Fry Injury and Guardians Win Quick Looks
- Frightening Moment: David Fry struck in face by 99 mph pitch.
- Immediate Response: Trainers, teammates, and pitcher Tarik Skubal rushed to his side.
- Hospitalized: Fry transported to Cleveland Clinic for tests and observation.
- Teammate Support: Steven Kwan praised Fry’s toughness and leadership.
- Skubal Shaken: Tigers ace said health matters more than baseball.
- Guardians Rally: Cleveland scored three runs in sixth inning after incident.
- AL Central Drama: Guardians caught Detroit atop the division.
- Cleveland’s Surge: Guardians have won 16 of their last 18 games.
- Tigers Struggling: Detroit has lost seven straight, 10 of last 11.
Deep Look: Guardians’ David Fry Hospitalized After Being Hit in Face, Cleveland Rallies to Beat Tigers
CLEVELAND — For one terrifying moment on Tuesday night, the race for the AL Central crown faded into the background as fans at Progressive Field watched Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry collapse after being struck in the face by a pitch.
Fry was hospitalized after being hit by a 99 mph fastball from Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal during the sixth inning of Cleveland’s 5–2 victory.
The Incident: Fry Hit by 99 MPH Fastball
Attempting to bunt, Fry squared around when Skubal’s fastball rode up and struck him directly in the nose and mouth area. The impact dropped him to the dirt immediately, as blood poured from his face.
A stunned Skubal ripped off his glove and cap as Guardians manager Stephen Vogt and trainers sprinted onto the field. Fry remained down for several minutes before being carefully helped up.
In a sign of resilience, Fry flashed a thumbs-up gesture as he was placed on a cart and driven off. The Guardians later confirmed he was transferred from Lutheran Medical Center to the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus for further testing and observation.
Manager and Pitcher React to Scary Scene
“It was straight to the face,” Vogt said afterward. “We’re all thinking about David and his family right now. It’s a really scary moment.”
Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, was visibly shaken. “Really tough,” he said. “I’ve already reached out to him. Hopefully, he’s okay. Sometimes these things change, so I want to hear from him soon. Health is more important than any game.”
Teammates Rally Around Fry
Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan echoed the concern. “Definitely really scary. For David to even try something like that (bunt), that’s just who he is — a selfless, tough guy,” Kwan said. “He’s meant so much to us as a teammate. Thankfully he had some humor coming off the field, but we’re hoping for good news.”
Fry’s absence is especially difficult for Cleveland given his journey. An All-Star in 2024, he underwent offseason elbow surgery and didn’t rejoin the team until late May. Since then, he’s been a steady presence in the lineup.
Guardians Turn Momentum into Victory
Ironically, the incident sparked a momentum shift. After Fry was replaced by George Valera, Skubal threw a wild pitch, allowing a run to score. He then committed an error on a bizarre between-the-legs throw attempt and was called for a balk — helping Cleveland push across three runs without a ball leaving the infield.
The Guardians took a 3–2 lead in the sixth and never looked back, completing a victory that deadlocked the AL Central standings.
Cleveland’s Remarkable Comeback Run
Tuesday’s win marked Cleveland’s 16th victory in their last 18 games. Once buried 15 ½ games behind Detroit on July 8, the Guardians have stormed back, cutting the deficit steadily through August and going 17–5 in September.
The Tigers, by contrast, are reeling. The loss was their seventh straight and their 10th in the last 11 games.
Catcher Dillon Dingler admitted the team feels the pressure. “It’s not quite pressing, but we definitely feel it,” he said. “We’ve got to stay loose, focus in, and just play our game.”
Division Race Heats Up
The Guardians’ surge and Detroit’s collapse have turned the AL Central into one of baseball’s most dramatic late-season storylines. With just days left in the season, every game carries heightened stakes, though Fry’s health now weighs heavily on Cleveland’s clubhouse.
As Vogt put it: “Tonight reminded us there are things bigger than baseball. We’ll take the win, but more importantly, we’re praying for David’s recovery.”
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