Guardians' David Fry hospitalized after being hit in face by pitch during crucial win over Tigers

Guardians designated hitter David Fry was expected to be hospitalized overnight after he was hit in the face by a pitch from Detroit’s Tarik Skubal.

CLEVELAND — For a frightening moment, the AL Central race hardly mattered.

Guardians designated hitter David Fry was expected to be hospitalized overnight after he was hit in the face by a pitch from Detroit’s Tarik Skubal in the sixth inning of Cleveland’s 5-2 win over the Tigers on Tuesday night, a victory that deadlocked the division.

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 Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt and trainers rushed onto the field.

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

Manager Stephen Vogt #12 of the Cleveland Guardians attends to David Fry #6 during Tuesday's game.Nick Cammett / Getty ImagesThe Guardians said Fry was being transported from Lutheran Medical Center to the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus for further testing and observation. The team said it would update Fry’s condition Wednesday morning.