Cade Smith: 106.6 MPH Comebacker Injury
- SEATTLE—Cleveland Guardians reliever cade Smith had a close call Friday night when a blistering 106 mph comebacker ricocheted off his cap during the game against the Seattle Mariners.
- The ball deflected off Smith and into the infield, allowing Tellez to advance to second base after it eluded Daniel Schneemann.
- The Guardians ultimately lost to the Mariners 7-2 in the first of a three-game series.
Cleveland Guardians reliever Cade Smith faced a harrowing moment when a 106 mph line drive struck his cap, narrowly averting a serious injury. The incident, occurring during a game against the Seattle Mariners, saw the ball deflect off Smith and into the infield. Despite the scary encounter, Smith displayed remarkable resilience, remaining in the game after being assessed by the training staff. This event amplified the Guardians’ bullpen struggles,which ultimately contributed to a 7-2 loss,overshadowing Smith’s composure and recent stellar performance. In this report by News Directory 3, we delve deeper into Smith’s close call and his reactions, highlighting his importance to the team’s pitching staff.We also uncover Smith’s history of resilience. Intrigued by smith’s comeback? Discover what’s next.
Cade Smith Avoids Serious Injury; Guardians’ Bullpen Falters
Updated June 14, 2025
SEATTLE—Cleveland Guardians reliever cade Smith had a close call Friday night when a blistering 106 mph comebacker ricocheted off his cap during the game against the Seattle Mariners. The incident occurred when Seattle first baseman Rowdy Tellez drilled a 0-1 splitter right back toward the mound.
The ball deflected off Smith and into the infield, allowing Tellez to advance to second base after it eluded Daniel Schneemann. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt and the team’s training staff instantly rushed to the mound to assess Smith, who already showed a mark above his left eye. Despite the impact, Smith convinced Vogt he coudl stay in the game.
The Guardians ultimately lost to the Mariners 7-2 in the first of a three-game series. The Cleveland bullpen’s struggles amplified the impact of the loss,overshadowing Smith’s resilience.The Guardians need to improve their bullpen performance to support their pitching and secure wins.
“they’re taking good care of me, but I feel good,” Smith said after the game. “I count myself very lucky.”
Replays showed the ball would have struck Smith squarely in the face if not for his cap. The impact crumpled the cap’s brim and tore it from his head, leaving a scrape above his eyebrow.
Smith said his immediate reaction was to grab his hat and Pitchcom device. “I think when I picked up my hat and saw how folded the brim was, that was a pretty good indication that it did take the brunt of the impact,” he said.
After a few warm-up pitches, Smith remained in the game and struck out Dominic Canzone with a 96.2 mph fastball to end the inning. the appearance marked Smith’s fifth consecutive scoreless outing. Since May 7, the reliever has a 1.42 ERA, allowing just two runs in 13 appearances. His recent performance highlights his value to the team, making his ability to stay in the game even more crucial.
“I tell you what,that kid,nothing shakes him,” Vogt said. “He was fully calm. Went to check on him, [he] didn’t get shaken. A couple warmup pitches to slow down, punches the next guy out.”
Smith recalled a similar incident in youth baseball when his cap prevented a ball lost in the sun from hitting his face.
“I know that probably provided that I’ve been playing baseball, before each game, my parents have prayed for a hedge of protection, and that God would keep the ball away from my head and my heart,” Smith said. “I know that that has not stopped, and I know I was very fortunate, a matter of