David

Fry

Fry’s start against Michael Wacha tonight was just his third of the year versus a righty. He’s batting .262/.392/.500 in his 51 plate appearances, so he might be in line for more playing time at the expense of Kyle Manzardo and Rhys Hoskins.

Fry got the rare start against a right-handed pitcher on Saturday, starting in right field. He took Kevin Gausman deep for a solo homer in the seventh inning for his first of the season. The 30-year-old slugger remains mostly limited to starts against left-handing pitching, mixing in at catcher, right field, and designated hitter.

As is often the case, the 24-year-old outfielder will find himself on the bench with an opposing left-hander on the mound. David Fry will start in his place in right field and bat fifth against Trevor Rogers and the Orioles on Sunday.

Hoskins has hit well in his first few games with Cleveland, although he did have one of the most bizarre baserunning mistakes you’ll see when he tried to tag up and score on a 200-foot pop-up. Chase DeLauter is the designated hitter Saturday against Bryan Woo, Angel Martinez will handle left and CJ Keyfus is in right. Bo Naylor also gets a break with David Fry hitting fifth and catching.

Hedges was hit on the right hand by a pitch. If he needs to on the IL, the Guardians could bring back Jonathan Rodriguez or Petey Halpin. They already have David Fry to use as their backup catcher.

Fry underwent surgery to repair a deviated septum and fractured nose and missed the postseason after being hit in the face by a fastball from Tarik Skubal. Jones will likely be a platoon outfielder for Cleveland in 2026, while Festa should again work in the middle innings.

Fry should be ready to go next year. He also figures to be available to play catcher then after Tommy John surgery limited to DH duties this year.

Fry is going to be out for up to two months, and won’t be able to return for the 2025 season. The 29-year-old has been replaced on the roster by Jonathan Rodriguez.

"{Fry} is doing OK, he’s in good spirits. He’s upright, he’s alert,” Guardians manager Steven Vogt told reporters while announcing the injuries. The 29-year-old was hit squarely in the face by a Tarik Skubal fastball during the seventh inning of Tuesday’s win. The Guardians announced that Fry will not need surgery, but he’ll have a 6-8 week timeline for recovery; meaning his 2025 season has come to a close. He should be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign.

Fry will likely be held overnight at the Cleveland Clinic after being struck directly in the face by a 99 mph offering from Tigers ace Tarik Skubal while squaring to attempt a sacrifice bunt in the sixth inning of Tuesday’s contest. There should be an update on his status at some point in the coming days, but it certainly sounds like he’s going to miss some time.