Cleveland DH Who Was Hit in the Face With a Fastball Will Avoid Surgery

The Guardians’ David Fry is on the 10-day injured list after being struck by a 99 mph pitch from Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal.

Cleveland Guardians' David Fry hits a two-run home run against the Tigers during Game 4 of the American League Division Series in Detroit on Oct. 10, 2024. Paul Sancya/AP Photo

Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry will avoid surgery after being hit in the face by a 99 mph pitch during a game against the Detroit Tigers.

Fry, 29, was discharged from the Cleveland Clinic on Sept. 24 and is “resting comfortably” after being hospitalized overnight for multiple minimally displaced left-side facial and nasal fractures.

In a statement, the Guardians said Fry is expected to fully recover in six to eight weeks without surgical procedures but will require close monitoring and several assessments.

The team went on to thank medical and emergency personnel who were directly involved in Fry’s care and treatment during the game and afterward.

Fry was struck by a pitch from Tarik Skubal in the sixth inning of Cleveland’s 5-2 win over Detroit.

In a video of the shocking incident, Fry immediately collapses to the ground while holding his bloodied face, before manager Stephen Vogt and team trainers rush to his side.

Fry was placed on the 10-day injured list as a result, with outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez recalled from Triple-A Columbus to take his spot during that time.

Prior to Wednesday’s game against the Tigers, Vogt reaffirmed that Fry is in good spirits and is thankful to be home resting.

“He’s a tough kid,” he said. “His family’s coming to town, so they’ll be back together as a family tonight and it’s going to be a little bit of a journey for him.”

“I mean, we don’t know the extent. ... We know what’s going on, but it’s going to take some time to really see what’s going on and so he’s going to be out.”

Skubal, who was visibly distraught, immediately tossed his hat and glove to the ground.

Skubal noted he immediately reached out to Fry as well, texting him regarding the status of his condition and apologizing for the freak accident.

“Obviously nothing intentional, but still apologize about the situation and it’s one of those freak baseball plays,” he told reporters postgame. “I mean, this is a game, but we’re all humans. ... That’s real life stuff, not baseball game stuff.”

The Guardians’ victory pulled them into a tie with the Tigers for first place in the American League Central Division.

Fry made his MLB debut in 2023 with the Guardians and was a 2024 All-Star. He was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh round of the 2018 draft.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.