News Summary
Cleveland Guardians player David Fry sustained multiple fractures to his face after being hit by a pitch from Tarik Skubal. The incident occurred during a tense game, leading to an emotional response from both teams. Fry, although injured, is expected to recover in 6 to 8 weeks. The incident impacted the game as the Guardians rallied to win against the Detroit Tigers. Discussions about the risks of sports injuries have resurfaced, emphasizing the challenges athletes face on the field.
Cleveland, Ohio
On September 23, 2025, David Fry of the Cleveland Guardians suffered multiple, minimally displaced fractures to the left side of his face after being hit by a pitch from Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. The incident took place during a game at Progressive Field when Fry attempted to bunt a 99 mph fastball in the bottom of the sixth inning. At the time, the Guardians were trailing 2-1 with two runners on base, making the incident particularly impactful for both Fry and his team.
Immediately after getting struck in the face, Fry began to bleed, prompting medical staff to swiftly assist him. Skubal, visibly shaken by the incident, showed concern for Fry’s health. Following the game, Fry was taken off the field by cart and transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. The injuries sustained were serious but did not require surgical intervention, and Fry was expected to be out of action for 6 to 8 weeks. Despite this, he was later reported to be in good spirits, expressing gratitude for his relatively fortunate outcome.
The Impact of the Incident on the Game
Following the incident, Skubal struggled on the mound. He had a wild pitch and committed a balk, which contributed to the Guardians turning the game around, allowing them to rally back and take a 3-2 lead. The Guardians ultimately won the matchup, which tied them with the Tigers for first place in the AL Central division.
Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, expressed deep remorse for the injury caused to Fry and took the initiative to reach out to find out about Fry’s condition post-game. In a show of solidarity, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt provided Skubal a ride to the hospital to visit Fry, showcasing the camaraderie and humanity present in the sport.
Background Context and Reactions
The brutal nature of the incident sheds light on the inherent risks associated with playing baseball. Both Skubal and Vogt noted the serious dangers players face on the field, reminding fans of the volatile environment athletes navigate. Fry had been having a tough season prior to the injury, having previously undergone Tommy John surgery and struggling with performance issues at the plate. His early career challenges made this incident even more difficult for him and his teammates.
Fry’s injury sparked renewed discussions about the precarious nature of sports injuries within baseball and the emotional impact they can have on players and teams. After the incident, Fry’s teammates expressed their relief that his injuries were not as severe as they could have been, praising his resilience during this challenging time.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com: Terry Pluto’s Reflection on the Incident
- MLB.com: David Fry Injury Update
- ESPN: David Fry Hit by Fastball
- CNN: David Fry’s Injury Coverage
- Fox News: Guardians’ David Fry Hit by Fastball
- Wikipedia: Baseball Injury
- Google Search: David Fry baseball injury
- Google Scholar: Sports Injuries Baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: David Fry MLB news
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
