Angels’ Peter Bourjos has fractured right wrist; will go on DL
HOUSTON — X-rays showed a nondisplaced fracture of a bone just below Peter Bourjos’ right wrist, an injury that is expected to sideline the speedy Angels center fielder for at least two to three weeks.
Bourjos, who missed 40 games in May and June because of a left hamstring strain and was slowed by a bruised left thumb this past week, suffered the injury when he was hit by a pitch from Houston Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles on Saturday.
Doctors told Bourjos he can play again when he can tolerate the pain and that hitting and throwing won’t exacerbate the injury. The only way it can get worse, Bourjos said, is if he gets “smoked” in the same spot.
“You never want to hear this news — when I looked up ‘fracture’ on the Internet I saw six to eight weeks,” Bourjos, 26, said. “So, it could have been a lot worse. We have three off days in July and then the All-Star break, so I won’t miss as many games.”
The Angels will miss Bourjos, who has been highly productive when he’s been able to stay on the field, hitting .326 with a .385 on-base percentage in 40 games and playing superb defense.
“No doubt, this is a little more frustrating because this is the best baseball Peter has played in his life,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “He’s made adjustments and seen enough of the league to really get comfortable.
“I think he is ready to take off in his career in a lot of areas like stealing bases and hitting at the top of the lineup. He’s made great strides, and he’s ready for the challenge. Being slowed down when your confidence is this high is very frustrating.”
Bourjos will be placed on the disabled list, and Mike Trout, though he is not in Sunday’s lineup for the first time this season, will move from left field back to center.
J.B. Shuck will return to left, and the Angels are expected to call up recently signed right-handed hitting outfielder Collin Cowgill from triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday.
ALSO:
Joe Blanton, Josh Hamilton lead Angels to 7-2 victory
Astros manager apologizes to Scioscia for distracting tactic
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
