Sep, 24 2025
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On May 20, 2025, David Fry stepped onto the field at Canal Park for the first time since undergoing right elbow reconstruction surgery last November. The Cleveland Guardians’ 2024 American League All‑Star appeared as the designated hitter for the Double‑A Akron RubberDucks, going 1‑for‑3 with an RBI in a modest but encouraging debut. While the numbers alone don’t tell the whole story, the sight of Fry in a live‑game setting ignited optimism among coaches, teammates, and the RubberDucks’ fan base.
Fry’s rehab journey has been methodical. Placed on the 60‑day injured list in February, he first logged three games in the Rookie‑level Arizona Complex League, facing off against inexperienced pitching while working on timing and contact. After receiving clearance to hit off a machine and then live pitching in Arizona, the Guardians decided to move him up to Double‑A, a step that better mirrors the quality of competition he’ll eventually face in the majors.
In his Akron debut against the Altoona Curve, Fry recorded a single to center field that registered a 98.7 mph exit velocity—a promising sign that his bat still possesses power. He struck out once and produced a 102.6 mph lineout to shortstop, showing that his swing speed remains intact despite months of recovery work. The RBI came on a foul‑out sacrifice fly, a small but meaningful contribution that helped the RubberDucks secure a run.
“Feeling really good. Nice to kind of get back into live game situations. A lot of cage work and stuff before this, so nice to just get out and play a game with the boys,” Fry said in a post‑game interview. “I was telling the boys I needed the ball in my first hit as an Akron RubberDuck.” His enthusiasm underscores a mental rebound that’s just as critical as the physical healing.
The surgery that sidelined Fry was an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, commonly referred to as “Tommy John” surgery. Performed in November 2024, the procedure came after Fry experienced lingering elbow discomfort toward the end of the regular season. Doctors gave the Guardians a 6‑8 month recovery window, a timeline that aligned with Fry’s off‑season and early‑season rehab activities.
Rehab has been a layered process. The initial phase involved weeks in the training room, focusing on range‑of‑motion exercises and lightweight throwing drills. As his strength improved, Fry progressed to hitting off a tee, then front toss, and eventually full batting practice. By early April, he was cleared for live pitching in the Arizona Complex League, marking the transition to more game‑like conditions.
Fry’s 2024 performance provides context for why his return matters. Over 122 games, he posted a .263 batting average, belted 14 home runs, and drove in 51 runs. In the postseason, he upped his game, hitting .286 with two homers and eight RBIs across ten playoff contests, earning the nickname “playoff hero” for clutch hits against the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees.
RubberDucks President and General Manager Jim Pfander expressed excitement about hosting Fry. “We are excited to have last year’s playoff hero David Fry at Canal Park on a rehab assignment this week,” Pfander said. “After his clutch October homers against the Tigers and Yankees, we can’t wait for our great fans in Akron to see David Fry on his way back to Cleveland.”
Going forward, Fry will remain on the DH role for the remainder of the minor‑league stint. The Guardians are still cautious about his throwing program; although he’s cleared for live pitching, the workout will be incremental, focusing on building arm strength without jeopardizing the repaired ligament. The plan calls for him to appear every other day, allowing adequate recovery between at‑bats and ensuring the elbow isn’t overtaxed.
Management’s measured approach reflects a broader trend in MLB: teams are increasingly patient with high‑profile players recovering from major surgeries. The goal is to return Fry to full strength before he re‑enters the Guardians’ lineup, where his left‑handed bat and disciplined approach can continue to bolster Cleveland’s offensive production.
For now, the Akron crowd got a glimpse of what’s to come. The single to center and the RBI fly may seem modest, but they signal a player who’s regaining his feel for the game. As the season progresses, the Guardians will monitor Fry’s progress closely, hoping the sight of his name on a major‑league scorecard will soon be more than a headline on a rehab report.
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