David Fry’s facial fractures after 99‑mph fastball from Tigers’ Tarik Skubal

On Tuesday night, September 23, 2025, a routine bunt attempt turned into a frightening moment for Cleveland Guardians’ designated hitter David Fry. While trying to lay down a bunt in the sixth inning, Fry was caught flat‑footed by a 99.1 mph four‑seam fastball hurled by Detroit Tigers left‑hander Tarik Skubal. The pitch smashed into Fry’s left cheek, leaving him with multiple minimally displaced facial and nasal fractures.

Immediate aftermath and medical response

Team trainers rushed to Fry’s side the instant the ball made contact. After a quick on‑field assessment, they helped him off the mound and into a medical cart. Fry was first taken to Lutheran Medical Center for a preliminary exam, then transferred to the Cleveland Clinic for more advanced imaging and monitoring. Nurses reported he was alert and conversational throughout the process, though understandably shaken.

Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic confirmed the injuries were serious but fortunately did not require surgical intervention. They estimated a 6‑8 week recovery period, allowing the bone fragments to realign naturally. Fry was discharged on Wednesday in good spirits, resting comfortably at home and focusing on a gradual return to normal activities.

Impact on the Guardians and the AL Central race

The incident came at a critical juncture in the AL Central showdown between the Guardians and the Tigers. Despite Fry’s removal, Cleveland’s bullpen held firm, and the offense capitalized on a couple of key hits to eke out a 5‑2 victory. The win kept the Guardians within a game of the division lead, underscoring how quickly fortunes can shift in a tight race.

Following Fry’s injury, the Guardians placed him on the 10‑day injured list and called up prospect Johnathan Rodríguez from Triple‑A Columbus. Rodríguez, a right‑handed pitcher with a solid fastball, was slated to fill the void in the bullpen while the club navigates the next stretch of games.

Tarik Skubal, visibly distressed after the pitch, tossed his hat and glove to the ground and covered his face with both hands. In post‑game interviews, Skubal said he immediately reached out to the Guardians’ staff to check on Fry’s condition. “I felt terrible,” he admitted. “You never want to see a teammate get hurt, especially from something you threw.” Skubal’s remorse sparked a wave of supportive messages on social media, with fans from both sides urging patience and a speedy recovery for Fry.

While speculation swirled about whether Skubal and Guardians manager Stephen Vogt would visit Fry in the hospital together, no confirmed reports emerged. The focus remained on Fry’s health and the upcoming games as the AL Central battle intensifies.

Fry’s recovery timeline suggests he could return to the lineup by early November, assuming no setbacks. In the meantime, the Guardians will rely on depth players and their farm system to stay competitive, while Detroit hopes the incident won’t cast a lingering shadow over their own playoff push.