Designated hitter David Fry of the Cleveland Guardians was taken off the field on a stretcher after being hit by a 99 mph fastball during a bunt attempt against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night. The injury occurred in the third inning of the game at Progressive Field, with Fry attempting to bunt a pitch from Tigers starter Justin Verlander. The powerful fastball struck Fry in the face, causing immediate concern for his safety. Emergency medical personnel rushed to the scene and transported Fry to a local hospital for treatment.
The incident has raised questions about the risks associated with high-velocity pitches in Major League Baseball and the effectiveness of current protective measures for players. Sports medicine experts are calling for a review of pitch velocity limits, particularly for pitchers throwing in the mid-90s mph range. While MLB officials have not commented on the incident, the event has sparked a broader conversation about player safety in the sport. Fans and analysts are urging the league to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the injury.
Fry, who is in his second season with the Guardians, is known for his bat speed and ability to make contact with pitches. His injury comes at a critical time for the team, which is in a tight race for the American League Central division. The incident has also prompted discussions about the potential long-term effects of such collisions and the need for improved safety protocols in baseball. As the Guardians prepare for the remainder of the season, the focus will be on Fry’s recovery and the league’s response to this unprecedented event.