CLEVELAND — It was a scary scene at Progressive Field Tuesday evening in the middle of the Cleveland Guardians' eventual 5-2 win over the Detroit Tigers.
In the 6th inning, Guardians DH David Fry squared up for a bunt against Tarik Skubal. He was hit by a 99 mph fastball in the face, going down immediately. After team doctors came out on the field, a medical cart was driven out behind home plate. Fry entered the cart on his own strength but did not return to the game.
The Guardians provided the following update on Wednesday:
“Imaging and clinical examination confirmed that David sustained multiple, minimally displaced, left-sided facial and nasal fractures. While the injury will require close monitoring, including serial assessments, David is expected to fully recover over the next 6-to-8 weeks without the need for surgery. David was recently discharged from the Cleveland Clinic and is resting comfortably.
The Cleveland Guardians would like to express gratitude to several groups who were intimately involved in the emergent care and treatment of David during last night’s game: Physicians Ambulance, caregivers at Lutheran Hospital and Cleveland Clinic emergency departments, and the nurses and physicians at CCF working in the ENT and plastic surgery departments. Thank you all for your professionalism, expertise and compassion.”
Fry spent the night at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus.
“He’s in great spirits — went to see him last night (at the hospital),” said Guardians Manager Stephen Vogt. “I felt like our guys just rallied. It’s almost like, ‘Do it for David.’”
Vogt said that Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal visited Fry at the hospital last night. “Speaks highly of who (Skubal) is as a human being,” Vogt said.
Outfielder Steven Kwan said his teammates gave Fry the team belt, and he called Fry, "The heartbeat of this team.”
Roster move
The team recalled Jonathan Rodríguez from AAA Columbus and placed Fry on the 10-day IL.
Next game
The Guardians take on the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. at Progressive Field.
