PHOTO: Orioles' James McCann rocks a mask after broken nose from taking 95 mph pitch to face
On Monday, Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann was drilled by a 95-mph fastball to the face by Toronto Blue Jays' Yariel Rodriguez. It made for a gruesome look, with blood coming out of his nose and mouth.
Two days later, on Wednesday, the Orioles slugger, who takes pride in being "tough" took the plate, rocking a face mask. McCann was wearing a transparent face mask to protect him and keep on the grind at the plate.
James McCann contributed to the Orioles' 10-4 victory, contributing a hit and a walk in his four plate appearances.
James McCann struck by high-rise heater from Yariel Rodriguez
It was a scary moment when Yariel Rodriguez's fastball struck James McCan flush on the nose, leaving his nose and mouth covered in blood. The catcher dropped to the ground and was quickly attended by Orioles medical trainer Brian Ebel, who tried to stop the bleeding.
“At first, it’s more scary than anything. It’s like taking a pretty good right hook,” McCann said.
Despite being hit in the face, McCann stayed in the game, heading to first base but with the blood still coming out, manager Brandon Hyde sent him to the dugout. However, the Blue Jays replaced Rodriguez with reliever Brandon Eisert on the mound. While Eisert was warming up, McCann received his treatment.
“I take pride in staying tough, doing what I can to stay on the field,” he said later Monday. “That’s what I was able to do today. I felt like if I could get the blood to stop flowing then I could stay in the game, and that was what I was able to do."
James McCann's grit inspired many in their dugout and among them was newly acquired pitcher Zach Eflin.
“What a leader James McCann is,” Eflin said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that on a baseball field. I just became his No. 1 fan. To be able to go through that and stay in the game, show the grit and determination he has, it’s inspiring.”
On the season, McCann is hitting .219, along with three home runs, 15 RBIs and one stolen base.