What began as a crucial late-season matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers quickly turned into a chilling scene that silenced the entire ballpark.
The Guardians may have walked away with a 5-2 win, but the night will be remembered for something much more unsettling — a terrifying injury to designated hitter David Fry.
Fry Takes a Fastball to the Face
In the bottom of the game, Fry squared up to bunt against Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, one of the hardest throwers in the league.
But in a split second, the 99mph fastball veered inside, crashing straight into Fry’s face.
The ball clipped off his nose and mouth before ricocheting off his bat and falling to the ground.
The 29-year-old Texan immediately dropped to the dirt, clutching his face in visible agony.
The sight was difficult for everyone to process, but perhaps no one more than Skubal himself.
The reigning AL Cy Young winner froze in shock, covering his own face with his hand, removing his cap, and turning away in disbelief.
Silence Falls Over the Ballpark
Commentators described the eerie moment as the stadium went dead quiet.
“We just went fever pitch from eerie silence,” one Guardians announcer remarked, adding that Skubal had a “front-row seat” to the frightening incident.
As Cleveland’s medical team rushed to Fry’s aid, Skubal was left visibly rattled.
He struggled to regain focus, throwing a wild pitch and committing a balk shortly after play resumed, mistakes that allowed the Guardians to edge ahead 3-2.
Updates on Fry’s Condition
Despite the horrifying impact, Fry stayed conscious while being escorted off the field on a cart.
He was first taken to Cleveland’s Lutheran Medical Center for immediate testing before being transferred to the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus for further observation, according to MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins.
The Guardians will be anxiously awaiting more updates, but the initial signs suggest Fry avoided the worst-case scenario.
Guardians’ Remarkable Climb
The win itself was monumental for Cleveland. With the victory, the Guardians pulled even with Detroit for first place in the American League Central.
That’s a stunning turnaround for a team that trailed by 15.5 games as recently as July 8, and by 12.5 games just a month ago on August 25.
Fry’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. The designated hitter has faced ups and downs this year, especially after earning his first All-Star nod in 2024.
Still, his resilience has played a role in Cleveland’s improbable run back into contention.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The two rivals won’t have long to process Tuesday’s drama. They’re back at it tomorrow in another high-stakes battle.
Tanner Bibee is set to take the mound for Cleveland, while Detroit will turn to veteran Jack Flaherty.
The division race is heating up — but for now, all eyes remain on Fry’s recovery after a terrifying moment that shook everyone in the stadium.