Guardians' David Fry has broken nose, facial fractures from HBP - ESPN

CLEVELAND — Guardians designated hitter David Fry sustained a broken nose and facial fractures after he was hit in the face by a pitch from Tarik Skubal in the sixth inning of Cleveland's 5-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, a victory that deadlocked the American League Central race.

«He is doing OK. He's in good spirits,» manager Stephen Vogt said by phone Wednesday morning. «He's upright. He's alert.»

Vogt visited Fry in the hospital. The Guardians are planning a more detailed update later.

Fry squared around to try to bunt a 99 mph fastball from Skubal, and the pitch struck him in the nose and mouth area. As Fry collapsed in the batter's box and immediately grabbed his bloodied face, a visibly shaken Skubal threw off his glove and cap as Vogt and trainers rushed onto the field.

Fry lay in the dirt for several minutes before being slowly helped to his feet. He gave a thumbs-up as he sat up and was driven off in a cart.

The Guardians said Fry was being transported from Lutheran Medical Center to the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus for further testing and observation.

«It was straight to the face,» Vogt said, describing the impact on Fry that shook everyone inside Progressive Field. «We're all thinking about David and his family right now. Obviously, we're glad he is OK, but obviously it's a really scary moment.»

Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, paced around the infield as Fry was being assisted. After the game, Skubal, who allowed two hits through the first five innings, said seeing Fry in distress was difficult.

«Really tough,» the left-hander said. «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. Obviously, he seemed like he was OK coming