Marcell Ozuna Headed to IL With a Finger Injury
By Brian Cass
Outfielder Marcell Ozuna has been one of the best hitters for the St. Louis Cardinals this season. In their game on Friday against the San Diego Padres, Ozuna jammed his middle finger while diving for the first base while being picked off and was forced to leave the game, though.
It's not clear as to how severe the injury is right now, but nevertheless, it's significant enough to send Ozuna to the IL for the time being.
Marcell Ozuna (finger) headed to injured list https://t.co/1C5fDthrhb
— Rotoworld Baseball (@Rotoworld_BB) June 29, 2019
Ozuna had X-rays at the ballpark following the injury. When manager Mike Schmidt was asked about the results, he didn't specify whether or not it was a fracture. "We're not committed to be able to say that at this point. Clearly it's significant enough where he's got to go on the IL."
Ozuna has had an All-Star caliber first half in 2019, posting a slash line of .259/.331/.515 with 20 home runs and 62 RBI. If his finger is indeed fractured as reporters are speculating, the Cards will need to figure out a way to mitigate his lost production.
Marcell Ozuna was removed from tonight’s game after suffering an injury to the third and fourth fingers on his right hand.
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 29, 2019
He will be further evaluated tomorrow.
The timetable for Ozuna's return is unclear. We'll likely get the results from his X-rays in the coming days. If it turns out to be a fracture, Ozuna could be out for a few weeks.