Tuesday’s pivotal Tigers-Guardians series opener came with an incredibly scary moment for Cleveland designated hitter David Fry.
Batting in the sixth inning of Cleveland’s 5-2 home win against Detroit ace Tarik Skubal, Fry attempted to put down a sacrifice bunt on a 99 mph fastball but instead was struck in the face in what was officially ruled a foul ball.
He immediately fell in the batter’s box as the Cleveland training staff and manager Stephen Vogt ran out to attend to him, as his face was bloodied.
Skubal was visibly shaken after what had happened, dropping his glove and hat while covering his face with both hands as he walked off the pitcher’s mound.
David Fry fouls a bunt off his face during the sixth inning of the Guardians’ 5-2 home win over the Tigers on Sept. 23, 2025. Getty Images
Manager Stephen Vogt attends to David Fry after Fry fouled a bunt off his face during the sixth inning of the Guardians’ win over the Tigers. Getty ImagesAs a hush fell over the Progressive Field crowd, Fry — who was down on his back — eventually got up onto his feet before getting into the back of a cart as he exited the field. He was replaced by George Valera.
After the game, the Guardians said Fry was taken from Lutheran Medical Center to the Cleveland Clinic to get further testing done.
The team added that it expects to know more about his status on Wednesday.
Designated hitter David Fry leaves the field in a cart after he was hit in the face by a foul ball in the sixth inning of the Guardians’ win over the Tigers. David Richard-Imagn Images“We’re all thinking about David and his family right now,” Vogt told reporters after the game, adding that the ball struck Fry directly in the face and did not hit his bat. “Obviously, we’re glad he’s OK, but obviously it’s a really scary moment. I’m thinking about him.”
Skubal told reporters after the game that he already “reached out” to Fry to wish him well.
“It’s really tough. I’ve already reached out to him,” Skubal said, according to the Detroit Free Press. “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 off the field. Hopefully, it stays that way. I look forward to, hopefully at some point tonight or tomorrow morning, getting a text from him and making sure he’s all good. There are things that are bigger than the game. The health of him is more important than a baseball game.”
Tarik Skubal reacts after David Fry was hit in the face after a bunted foul ball in the sixth inning at Progressive Field. David Richard-Imagn ImagesIn that same inning, Cleveland rallied for three runs to take the lead on Detroit, the team the Guardians have chased down to make the AL Central a drastically close race.
With the win, Cleveland moved into a first-place tie after Detroit held a 15½-game lead on July 8.
