UPDATE: Cleveland Guardians’ designated hitter and catcher David Fry is recovering and feeling “great” just five days after suffering a serious injury from a 99 mph fastball that struck him in the face. Fry was injured during a game against the Detroit Tigers on July 11, 2023, and was seen joking and walking around the clubhouse prior to the game against the Texas Rangers today.
Fry, aged 29, was attempting to bunt when a pitch from Tarik Skubal hit him squarely in the nose and mouth. “It could have been way worse,” Fry said. “They just kept saying an inch up … an inch down, we could have had some real problems.” Despite his face still being swollen and requiring stitches, he is not expected to need surgery after his follow-up appointment on July 13, 2023.
The incident occurred when Fry collapsed in the batter’s box after being struck, prompting immediate attention from the team’s manager, Stephen Vogt, and medical staff. Skubal, visibly shaken, expressed his concern, stating, “The ball started cutting in on me and got me pretty good.”
Fry’s wife, Rebekah, who is seven months pregnant, watched from their home in Louisiana. She reported feeling reassured despite seeing others panic on television. Fry shared, “That was my main concern, her and my daughter being worried, but I think they were okay.” Their daughter, Evelyn, celebrated her second birthday on July 15, 2023, with an impromptu party organized by the Guardians.
Vogt noted the team’s emotional support for Fry, stating, “It’s been a tough week for the Fry family, and so what can we do to help bring some joy to their family right now?” The Guardians even honored Fry by displaying his No. 6 jersey in the dugout during their recent games.
While Fry will miss the postseason due to his injuries, he remains a vital presence in the clubhouse. Vogt emphasized Fry’s importance, saying, “He’s such a big part of our team… the caliber of teammate that he is, he should have been out there with us.”
As Fry continues to recover, the Guardians are focused on their playoff aspirations, clinching a postseason spot with a tight 3-2 victory over the Rangers. Fans and teammates alike are rallying around Fry, highlighting the strong community within the team.
Stay tuned for further updates on Fry’s recovery and the Guardians’ playoff journey.
