Guardians Drop David Fry Injury Update as Stephen Vogt Praises Tarik Skubal’s Classy Gesture

That 99 mph fastball from Detroit’s ace crashed straight into David Fry’s face, who then covered his bleeding face with the help of batting gloves. In only a handful of minutes, Fry was carted off the field and was taken to Lutheran Medical Center before he was transferred to the Cleveland Clinic main campus. And following the unsettling game, Tarik Skubal insisted on checking on Fry in person.

This news reached the Guardians clubhouse and prompted manager Stephen Vogt to offer the Tigers’ ace a ride to the hospital. Those two drove 3 1/2 miles east in a black pickup truck.

Tarik Skubal wasn’t sure initially if his pitch had hit Fry directly in the face or if it had first clipped the bat. But both Skubal and Vogt didn’t care for a replay. They prioritized seeing him in person and hearing it from the man himself. Meanwhile, the Guardians have delivered the awaited injury update for the 29-year-old.

Apparently, David Fry has sustained multiple, minimally displaced left-sided facial and nasal fractures. The consequence?

It’s going to be a crucial road to recovery for Fry over the next 6-8 months. Yet, he’s in good spirits, as per manager Vogt, who visited him with Tarik Skubal. And that hospital visit came right after their intense game.

Skubal’s gesture to visit Fry touched Vogt’s heart. “Tarik Skubal is an unbelievable human,” he said Wednesday afternoon. While he first met Fry during an All-Star game two years ago, Skubal has now found a silver lining in this situation. “…through this circumstance, I’ll probably get to know him a little bit better,” he shared.

But as Fry’s pregnant wife couldn’t fly right away to see her husband, Vogt mentioned the importance of being with Fry. “Without his family being here, you want to make sure. We left feeling like he’s himself. He’s injured. He’s in a ton of pain. But as far as life goes, he’s going to be OK.”

After a brief meetup at the hospital, Vogt dropped Tarik Skubal at the hotel. The following morning, Skubal received a text from Fry, thanking him for the visit.

As of now, Fry won’t require immediate surgery. But on Tuesday night, a lot unfolded in a short span during the game back at Progressive Field.

Tarik Skubal on the crucial error in the Guardians game

During the 5-2 win, the Cleveland Guardians’ Tarik Skubal made an error when he tried to flip the ball under David Fry’s legs. It was the same inning when Fry was hit by Skubal’s 99 mph fastball. That error came out a bit controversial because it appeared as if Skubal could have regrouped and made an easy out.

However, Tarik Skubal decided to toss the ball under his legs, and it went over first baseman Spencer Torkelson’s head. After that, Skubal pointed out, “That play is impossible.” 

It was also acknowledged and agreed to by the Tigers’ manager. According to him, Tarik Skubal was in a tough spot to field the ball. He believes it was an uncharacteristic mistake by the CY Young favorite. But after it all, Skubal bluntly stated, “It didn’t end up mattering…who cares?” 

Entering the Wednesday game, the Guardians were able to secure nine of their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Tigers have lost 8 in a row after their 5-1 loss. Now, with only four games to go to enter the playoffs, the Tigers needs to find the right path to clinch a spot that quite frankly seems to be fading…