Tigers' Skubal had classy gesture after hitting Guardians' Fry in face

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) reacts after Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry (6) was hit in the face by a foul ball in the sixth inning at Progressive Field. David Richard-Imagn Images

Tigers' Tarik Skubal had classy gesture after hitting Guardians' David Fry in face

By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 5:36 PM ET

Tarik Skubal looked genuinely rattled after he hit Cleveland Guardians first baseman David Fry in the face with a fastball on Tuesday night, and the Detroit Tigers ace went out of his way to check up on his opponent following the game.

Fry was hit in the face by a 99 mph fastball from Skubal in the bottom of the sixth inning of Cleveland's 5-2 win over Detroit. Fry came to bat with runners on first and third and nobody out, and he squared around to bunt. He was completely facing the pitcher's mound when he turned, so he had no time to jump out of the way of the ball.

Fry was able to stand up and walk under his own power, but he was transported to a local hospital. The 29-year-old was treated for injuries to his face.

According to Zack Meisel of The Athletic, Skubal visited Fry in the hospital on Tuesday night along with several Guardians players.

Tarik Skubal visited David Fry in the hospital last night. So did Stephen Vogt and a group of Guardians. By all accounts, Fry was in good spirits. Fry is back home and his family is headed to Cleveland to be with him.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) September 24, 2025

Guardians offered an update on Fry

The Guardians said in a statement on Wednesday that Fry suffered multiple fractures to the left side of his face and nose. He is expected to fully recover within six to eight weeks, however, and doctors do not believe he will need surgery.

Fry has already been discharged from the Cleveland Clinic and was said to be "resting comfortably."

An update on David Fry.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/kxXyrzogQu
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) September 24, 2025

Fry is batting .171 this season. The Guardians entered Wednesday night in a tie with the Tigers for first place in the AL Central. The team that does not win the division will have a shot at the wild-card, though it does not sound like Fry will be available even Cleveland if makes it.

Steve DelVecchio

Steve is a veteran writer who has covered a variety of sports and pop culture topics for more than 15 years. In addition to Yardbarker, his work has been featured on prominent digital publications including Larry Brown Sports, MSN and FOX Sports. The UConn graduate has published more than 40,000 stories and is one of the most experienced trending news writers in the country

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