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David Fry undergoes nasal surgery, Guardians waiting on gambling investigation resolution
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- David Fry undergoes nasal surgery, Guardians waiting on gambling investigation resolution
CLEVELAND — One of the scariest moments of the 2025 MLB season has led to surgery after all.
David Fry , who was drilled in the face by a 99 mph pitch from Tarik Skubal in September, underwent nasal septoplasty to correct a deviated septum. Fry sustained nasal and facial fractures from the play , on which he squared around to bunt and was hit squarely in the face.
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At the time of the injury, there was a thought Fry might be able to avoid surgery, but the medical staff needed to wait until the swelling went down to further evaluate the situation. Considering the potential for how bad it could have been, it's a relatively minor procedure, and Fry is expected to be ready for spring camp.
Cleveland Guardians' David Fry reacts after he was hit in the face by a pitch against the Detroit Tigers on Sept. 23, 2025, in Cleveland.
"The good news is he doesn't need to have any reconstruction done on his face itself," president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said at an end-of-the-season presser with local reporters. "It's mostly centered on his nose."
The procedure was performed at the Cleveland Clinic on Oct. 7.
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Skubal was visibly upset after the pitch and later that night rode to the hospital with Guardians manager Stephen Vogt . The Guardians then included Fry's jersey in their clubhouse celebrations, spraying it with champagne, and Fry was able to be on the field when Cleveland clinched the division title on the last day of the regular season. He wore a bandage covering both nostrils and had extensive bruising, along with a laceration that required stitches.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal reacts after hitting Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry in the face with a pitch Sept. 23, 2025, in Cleveland.
Fry spent most of the 2025 season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery , which relegated him to designated hitter duties. He'll have a chance to return to his utility role this spring and during the 2026 season, which could include time all over the field, including behind the plate.
Reliever Nic Enright also will undergo Tommy John surgery, the team announced, likely ending his 2026 season.
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Guardians have no timeline on MLB gambling investigation with Emmanuel Clase , Luis Ortiz
Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase (48) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Tigers in Game 5 of an AL Division Series, Oct. 12, 2024 in Cleveland.
The Guardians remain in a holding pattern as they wait for Major League Baseball to conclude its investigation into gambling allegations centered around closer Emmanuel Clase and starting pitcher Luis Ortiz.
Clase and Ortiz have both been on paid leave since July, meaning they're still receiving their paychecks while the investigation continues. At this time, the Guardians have no timetable on when to expect a decision or any punishments to be handed down to Clase and Ortiz.
Since the Guardians can't count on either pitcher ever being on the mound in a major league game again, they are effectively moving forward with the expectation that they won't be on the roster at any point in the future.
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"I think we have to," Antonetti said. "That's the only thing we really can do is plan for that, and if we get [any new] information we would then think about how we reintegrate those guys into the organization. But for our planning purposes, I think we have to plan as if they won't be here and then adjust if needed."
Guardians coaching staff welcomes every member back for 2026 if they choose to stay
The Guardians will enter the offseason with the expectation that every member of their 2025 coaching staff will return for 2026, though that's dependent on whether anyone leaves for another team elsewhere or retires.
Bench coach Craig Albernaz has been a known potential managerial candidate down the line, and with more than half a dozen openings around the majors, it's possible his name is thrown around for interviews.
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The Guardians also hope to have back pitching coach Carl Willis , who effectively has an invitation to continue to act as the team's pitching coach for as long as he wants, though he also could be near retirement.
"Our expectation is that there will be interest from other teams in talking to some of our coaches, and exactly how that plays out, it's impossible to predict," Antonetti said. "I think that's a good and healthy sign of us organizationally and not just for our coaches but staff members across the organization."
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: David Fry injury update, Guardians wait on MLB gambling investigation
