David Fry Hospitalized After Being Hit in Face by 99 mph Pitch

Cleveland Guardians hitter David Fry was hospitalized Tuesday after being struck in the face by a 99 mph fastball during his team’s 5-2 win over the Detroit Tigers.

The incident took place in the sixth inning when Fry attempted to bunt against Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. The ball missed his bat entirely and hit him directly in the face, sending the 29-year-old to the ground in visible pain. Medical staff rushed onto the field as Fry covered his face.

He was eventually able to stand and walk to a cart before being transported to a local hospital. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt later told reporters, “He’s getting tested. He’s stayed conscious the whole time. Definitely some injuries there. So I’ll give you an update tomorrow.”

According to Guardians reporter Tim Stebbins, Fry was first taken to Lutheran Medical Center and then transferred to Cleveland Clinic Main Campus for further evaluation, where he is expected to remain overnight.

The shocking moment left players and fans stunned, including pitcher Skubal, who appeared visibly shaken. After the game, he told reporters, “I’ve already reached out to him. I’m sure his phone is blowing up. I just want to make sure he’s all right… There’s things that are bigger than the game and the health of him is more important than a baseball game.”

Skubal, last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner, struggled afterward, throwing a wild pitch and committing a balk before regaining control. Despite the disruption, the Guardians held on to secure a 5-2 victory.