Tigers' Spencer Torkelson to miss games after slicing finger on can opener

Top MLB draft pick Spencer Torkelson will miss several games at the start of the Detroit Tigers' spring training schedule. Photo by Arizona State University Athletics
Top MLB draft pick Spencer Torkelson will miss several games at the start of the Detroit Tigers' spring training schedule. Photo by Arizona State University Athletics

Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, will miss several spring training games because he cut his right index finger with a makeshift can opener.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch detailed the injury Thursday when he met with reporters. Hinch said the 21-year-old infielder needed stitches on the finger.

The incident occurred Wednesday at a house Torkelson is sharing with teammates through spring training in Lakeland, Fla.

"He can do some fielding work, but he's not going to hit or throw for a couple days," Hinch said. "It's very mild. He will be limited a couple days and obviously won't play in the first few games."

Hinch said he planned to have Torkelson in the Tigers' lineup at the start of the spring training schedule.

Sources told the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press that Torkelson sustained the injury as he prepared dinner for two teammates.

He used a small knife that was part of a wine opener to open a can and sliced the finger in the process.

"Maybe part of his development is going to be opening a can," Hinch said. "It's just unfortunate. He [told me] is not concerned, which made me not concerned. There's just some at-bats early he's going to miss."

Torkelson also joked about the incident Thursday on Twitter.

"When life cuts your finger, buy a can opener and then laugh it off," the Tigers prospect tweeted.

Torkelson joined the Tigers in June. The Arizona State product is the No. 3 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. He is expected to start the 2021 season in the Tigers' Minor League Baseball system.

The Tigers face the Philadelphia Phillies in their first spring training game at 1:05 p.m. EST Sunday in Lakeland, Fla. The Tigers then have road games Monday against the New York Yankees and Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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