David Fry Injury Shakes Up Cleveland Guardians Lineup

What happened on Sept. 23?

During a late‑inning at‑bat on September 23, 2025, Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry injury occurred when Detroit Tigers right‑hander Tarik Skubal’s pitch caught Fry on the cheek. Medical staff escorted the 28‑year‑old to the hospital for evaluation. Initial reports said he was conscious and breathing on his own, but the Guardians have not released details on the severity of the facial trauma.

Skubal, who was working on a 3.85 ERA at the time, finished the inning and later expressed concern for Fry, saying the pitch slipped his grip and veered sharply up and in. No other players were injured in the incident.

How the Guardians might fill the void

The Guardians now face a dilemma: Fry has been a steady presence in the middle of the order, posting a .285 batting average with 12 home runs this season. Losing him for even a few games could disrupt the team’s push for a playoff spot. Below are the most plausible options the front office could explore.

• Promote a bench player. Utility man Roberto Pérez, who has seen sporadic pinch‑hitting duty, carries a .260 average and could slide into the DH role on short notice.
• Shift a regular starter. First‑base man Joey Bell has shown power and could take Fry’s spot in the batting order while staying at first base.
• Call up from Triple‑A. The Guardians’ affiliate in Columbus has a promising hitter, 23‑year‑old Miguel Torres, hitting .298 with 7 homers over 42 games. He’s on the 40‑man roster and could be a quick fix.
• Trade for a veteran. Cleveland’s front office has hinted it could explore a low‑cost trade for a seasoned DH if the playoff race tightens.

Each scenario carries trade‑offs. A bench promotion keeps the roster stable but offers limited power. Moving a regular starter could weaken the defensive alignment. A call‑up adds fresh energy but lacks major‑league experience. A trade would be the most aggressive move, signaling a win‑now mentality.

Beyond the on‑field adjustments, the incident may prompt the Guardians to review safety protocols. While helmets protect the cranium, facial injuries remain a risk. Some teams have experimented with added padding or customized face guards for hitters who have suffered similar blows.

Fans and analysts will be watching the next roster move closely. The next game will reveal whether Fry can return to the dugout or if Cleveland has to adapt without him for the remainder of the season.