ATLANTA — What was meant to be another opportunity for rookie Tyler Callihan to prove his worth in the big leagues turned into a heartbreaking scene Monday night at Truist Park, as the Cincinnati Reds fell 4-0 to the Atlanta Braves in the opener of a four-game series. The game quickly took a back seat to a much more serious concern when Callihan, making just his sixth MLB appearance, suffered a devastating injury in the third inning while attempting a highlight-reel play.
The 23-year-old left fielder sprinted toward the foul line in left field, fully committed to chasing down a hard-hit ball. In a gutsy attempt to make a diving catch, Callihan slammed into the wall glove-first at full speed. Though he initially appeared to make the catch, the collision knocked the ball loose and sent Callihan crumpling to the ground in immediate, visible pain.
Reds centerfielder TJ Friedl was one of the first players to reach Callihan and could instantly tell something was seriously wrong.
“As bad as it was,” Friedl said after the game, “I didn’t know what happened. He was just in a lot of pain. I didn’t see his glove or where the ball was. I was just worried about him and making sure he was OK.”
The injury was later diagnosed as multiple fractures in Callihan’s left forearm. Reds pitcher Brady Singer, who was on the mound during the incident, called the scene “gruesome to watch.”
“It was one of those plays where you admire the hustle,” Singer said, “but seeing him stay down and in that much pain—it was tough for everyone on the field.”
Callihan lay on the ground for several minutes after the collision, writhing in agony. Trainers and medical staff quickly rushed out to assess the situation, but it was evident to all that the injury was severe. His glove was thrown aside in frustration or agony, and by the time he was escorted off the field, his arm was already immobilized in a splint.
The Reds confirmed shortly after the game that Callihan would be flying back to Cincinnati on Tuesday morning to undergo surgery. It’s an unfortunate turn for the young outfielder, who was beginning to show promise since his recent call-up. In just five games, Callihan had already earned praise for his energy and defensive hustle—ironically, the very trait that contributed to his injury.
The loss of Callihan adds to an already injury-plagued Reds roster and deals another blow to a team looking to find momentum early in the season. While the Braves celebrated a clean 4-0 win on their home turf, the mood was understandably somber on the Reds’ side.
There is no official timeline yet for Callihan’s return, but given the severity of the injury and the need for surgery, it’s likely he’ll miss a significant portion of the season. For now, teammates, coaches, and fans alike will be hoping for a smooth recovery for the promising rookie.
