Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry was hospitalized Tuesday night after being struck in the face by a 99 mph fastball from Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. The incident occurred in the sixth inning at Progressive Field while Fry attempted to bunt. Fry remained conscious and was taken to Cleveland Clinic for overnight observation.
In a frightening moment during Tuesday night's game at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Guardians designated hitter David Fry crumpled to the ground after being hit in the face by a 99 mph fastball from Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The 29-year-old 2024 All-Star was squaring to bunt in the sixth inning when the pitch struck him instead of the bat, leaving him with a bloodied face.
Fry immediately dropped as teammates, opponents, and the crowd fell silent in shock. Tigers players, including Skubal, who covered his eyes and tossed his cap, watched in concern. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt rushed to the field along with trainers.
"You see it right away and then right as I got out there I saw what I saw," Vogt said, according to Cleveland.com. "I just told him, ‘keep laying down.’ ... Then obviously trainers were right there."
Fry sat up and was helped onto a cart to leave the field, remaining conscious throughout. He was transported to Cleveland Clinic and held overnight for observation, per the Associated Press. No update on his condition was available as of Wednesday morning.
Skubal, 28, expressed relief that Fry seemed okay initially and emphasized health over the game. "I’ve already reached out to him. I’m sure his phone’s blowing up," Skubal told reporters. "I just want to make sure he’s all right. He seemed okay coming off the field, and hopefully it stays that way."
He added, "I look forward to, hopefully tonight or tomorrow morning, getting a text from him and making sure he’s all good. There are things that are bigger than the game, and his health is more important than a baseball game."