With manager Matt Quatraro at left in the foreground, Kansas City Royals left fielder Jonathan India holds his face after getting hit in the batting helmet by an Emmanuel Clase pitch in the ninth inning of a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Jay Biggerstaff Imagn Images

On Sunday, the Cleveland Guardians led India's Kansas City Royals 6–2 with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning when India stepped to the plate. He dug in against All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, and after the count went to 1–1, Clase unleashed a 99 mph fastball that hammered India in the side of the helmet.

One pitch after Jonathan India was brushed back by a 97.1 mph fastball up and in from Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, the Royals' leadoff hitter was hit on the left side of his face by a 98.9 mph cut