On July 8, the Detroit Tigers were rolling , holding a 14-game lead in the AL Central. Now, they’re clinging to a tie atop the standings with the Cleveland Guardians , deep in the midst of a potentially historic collapse. In Tuesday’s Game 1 loss of a three-game set between the Guardians and the Tigers, the focus shifted from playoff pressure to a frightening moment of compassion.

In the sixth inning, David Fry was struck in the face by a 99 mph fastball from Tigers ace Tarik Skubal , immediately halting play as trainers rushed to assist. The 2024 All-Star had squared to bunt when the pitch sailed up and made direct contact.

Despite the frightening impact, Fry avoided surgery after being diagnosed with minimally displaced fractures to his face and nose. He was placed on the 10-day

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