How Is David Fry Doing After the 99 MPH Fastball to the Face? The Latest Update

On September 23, 2025, David Fry, the Cleveland Guardians designated hitter, found himself at the center of a frightening moment during a game against the Detroit Tigers. Fry, attempting to bunt a pitch from Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, was struck in the face by a 99-mph fastball. The impact was immediate, and the injury was severe. But, in true David Fry fashion, the Guardians’ DH is showing incredible resilience as he faces this unexpected setback.

The hit was alarming. The pitch left Fry with multiple fractures to his nose and facial bones. But the good news came swiftly after the injury: the Guardians confirmed that Fry did not suffer any head or brain trauma. While he would require some time to heal, there was no need for surgery. The medical team’s prognosis was cautiously optimistic—Fry was expected to recover fully in 6-8 weeks, though it would certainly take some time before he could return to the field.

David Fry: The Resilient Player

For more updates on Fry’s recovery, visit MLB.

The Moment That Stopped the Game

The hit was an accident. Fry had squared up to bunt, and in a split second, a fastball from Skubal struck him directly in the face. The sound of the impact echoed through the stadium. The crowd went silent. Both teams rushed to Fry’s side, and Skubal, visibly shaken, threw his glove to the ground. The moment was more than just about baseball—it was about a human being in pain, and everyone there could feel it.

Fry was quickly carted off the field, and the medical team took him to Lutheran Medical Center before transferring him to the Cleveland Clinic for further testing. The severity of the injury was clear, but the Guardians’ doctors provided reassuring news: while his recovery would take some time, Fry would not need surgery, and the injuries were not life-threatening.

Skubal’s Visit: A Gesture of True Sportsmanship

What followed in the aftermath of the incident was a moment of sportsmanship that transcended the game. Skubal, despite the fact that he was the pitcher who caused the injury, showed incredible empathy. He reached out to Fry with a text message to check on him after the game. But the gesture didn’t stop there.

Skubal, along with Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, visited Fry in the hospital that same night. It was a powerful display of care and concern between two athletes who had just faced off on the field. Skubal admitted that seeing Fry hurt was unsettling, and he offered a heartfelt apology. “Obviously nothing intentional, but it’s one of those freak baseball plays,” Skubal said, recognizing the randomness of the incident. Fry, ever the class act, texted Skubal back, thanking him for the visit. It was a reminder that baseball, like all sports, is about much more than just competition—it’s about humanity.

Fry’s Road to Recovery: A Time for Healing

For now, Fry’s journey is one of recovery. He will be sidelined for six to eight weeks, but the medical staff is confident that he’ll be able to return to the field without surgery. His toughness and determination will play a big role in his recovery, and the Guardians are rallying around him. Although his absence will be felt, especially as the team heads into the final stretch of the regular season, the hope is that Fry will come back stronger than ever.

Fry’s injury is a reminder of the physical risks that come with playing baseball. A 99 mph pitch can do serious damage, and players put themselves in vulnerable positions every time they step onto the field. But it’s also a reminder of the resilience that athletes like Fry show in the face of adversity. Though he’s facing a tough recovery, there’s no doubt that Fry’s strength and determination will see him through.

What’s Next for Fry and the Guardians?

With Fry out for the next several weeks, the Guardians will have to adjust. The team has placed him on the 10-day injured list and called up outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez from Triple-A. The Guardians, while hopeful for Fry’s quick return, are focused on keeping their momentum going in his absence.

As for Fry, his recovery will be about more than just physical healing. It’s a mental game too. Being away from the team and unable to contribute on the field will be tough for him, but Fry has always shown the kind of grit and resolve that will help him come back stronger. His teammates, coaches, and fans are all rooting for him to make a full recovery, and his eventual return will be a moment of triumph—not just for Fry, but for the entire Guardians organization.

The Human Side of Baseball

This incident between Fry and Skubal has reminded us of the human side of baseball. While the game itself is full of stats, rivalries, and fierce competition, it’s moments like these that reveal the true spirit of the sport. The compassion and empathy shown by Skubal, Fry’s resilience in the face of adversity, and the support from the Guardians’ community are all testaments to the humanity that baseball fosters.

For now, David Fry’s focus is on healing. But as he works his way back, the baseball world will be watching, ready to cheer him on when he returns. The game goes on, and Fry’s comeback will be one of the most inspiring stories of the season.