Vladimir Guerrero Hits DL with Broken Hand
By Editorial Staff
The Baltimore Orioles have placed designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero on the 15 day disabled list. The slugger has been out since July 10th dealing with a broken bone in his right hand.
Guerrero sustained the injury during the Orioles last game of the first half. Feeling the ramifications of the infamous ‘brawl’ serious versus the Red Sox, Guerrero was hit on the hand by a pitch during last Sunday’s finale.
Originally the O’s thought the injury wouldn’t prove serious. However, when Guerrero attempted to take batting practice before yesterday’s game against the Indians, he couldn’t hold a bat and experienced pain when swinging.
While injuries are always unwanted, the timing of this was not so good for the O’s. July was turning into one of the better months of the season for Guerrero, who had reached base safely in 6 of his last 7 contests.
2011 has been an overall disappointment for the Dominican native. In 83 games with the Orioles, the former MVP has only managed an OPS of .700 with 7 home runs and 31 RBIs. Guerrero signed a one year $8 million deal with the Orioles this February as the club was hoping to add some veteran leadership and power to their lineup.
Outfielder Matt Angle was recalled to take Guerrero’s roster spot and is in the lineup Sunday for the Birds. Nolan Reimold has been the O’s designated hitter in Guerrero’s absence, but Luke Scott is expected back early this week and is likely to fill the role.
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