Guardians' David Fry Diagnosed with Multiple Facial Fractures

David Fry to miss 6-8 weeks with facial fractures after HBP

Cleveland Guardians' David Fry suffers multiple facial fractures after being hit by a pitch, but won't require surgery. He'll miss 6-8 weeks.

“He seemed like he was OK coming off the field, and hopefully it stays that way. I know sometimes with those things...”

Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry has been diagnosed with multiple facial fractures, including a broken nose, after being hit in the face by a 99-mph fastball from Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal on Tuesday night. Fortunately, Fry won't require surgery, providing some relief to the Guardians. The team announced that Fry suffered “multiple, minimally displaced left-sided facial and nasal fractures” and is expected to make a full recovery in six to eight weeks.

After the incident, Fry was taken to Lutheran Medical Center and later transferred to the Cleveland Clinic for further testing and observation. He was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday and is currently resting comfortably. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt visited Fry in the hospital and reported that he's in good spirits. Fry's family is joining him in Cleveland, and the team is providing support during his recovery.

Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, was visibly shaken by the incident and immediately reached out to Fry after the game to check on his well-being. Skubal even visited Fry at the hospital, accompanied by Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, and expressed his relief that Fry's injuries weren't more severe. Fry appreciated Skubal's gesture and texted him to thank him for visiting.

Fry's injury is a significant blow to the Guardians, as he'll be out for six to eight weeks. The team placed him on the 10-day injured list and recalled outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez from Triple-A Columbus. Despite Fry's absence, the Guardians managed to win the game 5-2, tying the Tigers for first place in the American League Central.

David Fry is expected to make a full recovery without requiring surgery, but he'll be out for six to eight weeks after being hit in the face by a 99 mph fastball from Tarik Skubal. The Cleveland Guardians' designated hitter sustained multiple, minimally displaced facial and nasal fractures. Despite the severity of the injury, Fry's condition is improving, and he's resting comfortably after being discharged from the Cleveland Clinic.

Fry's absence will be felt by the Guardians, particularly if they clinch a postseason berth. He has been a consistent contributor to the team, providing power and a solid on-base percentage. Manager Stephen Vogt will need to find creative solutions to fill the void, possibly by platooning other players or giving more opportunities to emerging talent. The team's ability to navigate this challenging period will be crucial to their playoff aspirations.

 

An update on David Fry.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/kxXyrzogQu

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) September 24, 2025

David Fry was hit in the face by a 99 mph fastball from Tarik Skubal while attempting to bunt, causing him to drop to the ground. Fortunately, he was able to walk a few steps to a cart to be taken off the field. The Guardians later announced that Fry had been released from the hospital and was resting comfortably.

“It's really tough,” Skubal said after the game, visibly shaken by the incident. “He seemed like he was OK coming off the field, and hopefully it stays that way. I know sometimes with those things, they can change, so hopefully he's all right.” Skubal's concern for Fry's well-being was evident, and he likely breathed a sigh of relief when he learned that Fry's injuries didn't require surgery.