In a moment that silenced a crucial playoff race, the Cleveland Guardians’ game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night took a frightening turn. Designated hitter David Fry was rushed to the hospital after being hit directly in the face by a 99 mph fastball, a shocking incident that left players and fans alike in a state of collective concern.
The injury occurred during a critical at-bat in the bottom of the sixth inning, casting a pall over a high-stakes series between the two AL Central rivals. While the Guardians would eventually rally to win the game, the immediate and overwhelming focus was on the well-being of their teammate.
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A Terrifying Scene at Progressive Field
Scary moment as David Fry was hit in the face while squaring up to bunt a 99mph Fastball. @StoolBaseball
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 24, 2025
The game was tense, with the Tigers leading 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Guardians had runners on the corners with no outs when David Fry stepped up to the plate against Detroit’s ace, Tarik Skubal. Looking to execute a sacrifice bunt to tie the game, Fry squared around on a 2-1 count. But Skubal’s 99 mph fastball ran too far inside, riding up and in toward the hitter’s head. The pitch missed Fry’s bat and struck him squarely in the face, around the nose and mouth area.
Fry immediately collapsed in the batter’s box, grabbing his bloodied face as he hit the dirt. The reaction from Skubal was instantaneous and visceral. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner dropped his glove and hat in sheer horror, raising his hands to his face and pacing behind the mound in clear distress. A hush fell over Progressive Field as Guardians manager Stephen Vogt and team trainers rushed to attend to Fry, who remained on the ground for several minutes.
Despite the severity of the impact, Fry remained conscious throughout the ordeal. He was eventually helped to his feet and, in a reassuring gesture, gave a thumbs-up to the crowd as he was driven off the field on a cart, holding a towel to his face. The Guardians later confirmed that Fry was stable, announcing that he was initially taken to Lutheran Medical Center before being transferred to the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus for further testing and observation. The team expected him to stay overnight and provide a more detailed update on his condition on Wednesday.
A Game and a Division Race Forever Changed
WATCH: MLB player David Fry hit in the face by 99mph pitch
Prayers up.
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 24, 2025
In the aftermath of the incident, the emotional toll on the players, particularly Skubal, was evident. The Detroit pitcher struggled profoundly to regain his composure. When play resumed, his first pitch to Fry’s replacement, George Valera, was a wild pitch that allowed the tying run to score.
Skubal’s difficult inning continued with a fielding error and a balk, which helped the Guardians score a third run to take a 3-2 lead without hitting a single ball out of the infield. Cleveland would go on to win the game 5-2, a victory that catapulted them into a first-place tie with the Tigers in the AL Central, a remarkable feat for a team that trailed by 15 and a half games back in July.
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After the game, the focus remained firmly on Fry’s health. Skubal revealed that he had already reached out to Fry via text, stating, “I’ve already reached out to him… I just want to make sure he’s all right.” He emphasized that “there’s things that are bigger than the game and the health of him is more important than a baseball game.” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt echoed the concern, calling it a “really scary moment” and confirming the ball hit Fry “straight to the face.” Teammate Steven Kwan praised Fry’s selfless character, noting that attempting a bunt in that situation was “just who he is.”
As of Wednesday, September 24, the baseball world is waiting for the next update on David Fry’s condition, hoping for positive news after a chilling reminder of the dangers inherent in the sport.
