Nelson Cruz Hit On Hand and Leaves Game

MLB.com – The Orioles lost their best player after just 2 1/2 innings on Sunday, with Nelson Cruz exiting after taking a pitch off his left hand.Cruz was in obvious pain after Scott Feldman’s second pitch struck the slugger’s hand. O’s head athletic trainer Richie Bancells came out immediately, along with manager Buck Showalter. After several minutes, Cruz trotted to first base, but he was replaced in right field for the bottom of the third inning. Cruz entered the day with a Major League-leading 20 homers, and he set a new team record with 52 RBIs through May.

Just the worst luck. Cruz is the hottest hitter in the league and got hit by a guy who is known as a “hand hunter.” Dropped immediately after getting hit in obvious pain. Definitely didn’t look good. Not what you want to see from the guy who leads the planet in home runs. He had a monster May hitting .339 with 13 homers and 27 rbis. The O’s need this guy in the lineup. Just gotta hope it’s not broken. As I’ve said before, the Orioles lineup hasn’t been 100% healthy all year, and this would be a devastating blow to a team that’s struggling to win games.

EDIT: It’s being reported xrays came back negative and it’s being said he’s day-to-day. The best news I’ve heard all year.