Guardians' Fry out 6-8 weeks after being struck in face by Skubal

Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry was struck in the face by a 99 mile per hour fastball from Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal during the sixth inning of Tuesday night’s game at Progressive Field and was hospitalized with multiple facial and nasal fractures, the team said Wednesday. Fry was carted off the field and later transferred to the Cleveland Clinic, where imaging confirmed multiple minimally displaced left-sided facial and nasal fractures; he will not require surgery and is expected to fully recover in six to eight weeks.

The incident occurred when Fry squared to bunt and the pitch ran in, striking his nose and mouth area. He collapsed on contact and was helped to his feet before being taken from the field in a cart. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Wednesday that Fry is “doing OK” and “in good spirits.” The team thanked emergency responders and hospital staff for their immediate care and said Fry had been discharged and is resting.

Skubal, who threw the pitch, was visibly shaken on the field, throwing his glove and hat and pacing the infield after Fry went down. He later reached out to Fry by text and, according to team officials, visited him at the...