Advertisement

Baltimore Orioles OF Michael Bourn breaks finger playing catch with football

By The Sports Xchange
Baltimore Orioles' Michael Bourn strikes out swinging against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Camden Yards in Baltimore, September 19, 2016. Photo by David Tulis/UPI
Baltimore Orioles' Michael Bourn strikes out swinging against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Camden Yards in Baltimore, September 19, 2016. Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo

Baltimore Orioles veteran outfielder Michael Bourn is expected to miss four weeks after breaking his right ring finger while catching a football as part of a conditioning drill.

Bourn jammed his finger while catching a pass on Friday and returned two days later wearing a splint on the injured digit.

Advertisement

"It wasn't football for fun, first off," Bourn said. "It was just a conditioning drill that you do and the ball just hit me in the wrong spot. I thought it was a jam at first, but I kind of knew. It hurt kind of bad, more than a jam. And they showed me a little spot where there's like a little crack, not a crack, but a little space where it broke a little bit. So I have to let it heal and I'll see what happens."

The time away from the diamond could prove disastrous as the 34-year-old Bourn is one of 12 outfielders in camp.

Bourn defended his use of a football as a conditioning drill, a decision he has made countless times over the years since he stopped playing the sport in his junior year of high school.

Advertisement

"Never had it happen to me, but it happened this time," Bourn said. "That's the risk you take, so you have to live with it. I made this bed, so I have to lay in it."

Bourn agreed to a minor league contract earlier this month and an invitation to spring training.

Bourn batted .283 with two homers and eight RBIs in 24 games after being acquired by the Orioles in September. The two-time All-Star served as the team's leadoff hitter in the American League wild-card game.

Bourn batted .264 with five homers and 38 RBIs in 113 games between Baltimore and the Arizona Diamondbacks last season.

Latest Headlines