Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins right fielder Michael Cuddyer left Friday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals with a dislocated finger on his right hand and was taken to the hospital for X-rays.
Cuddyer already wears a brace to protect his right hand while running the bases. He was running from first to third on a base hit by Justin Morneau in the third inning and slid head-first into the bag.
He was safe on the play, but his hand collided awkwardly with Alex Gordon’s leg, and Cuddyer motioned to the dugout for medical attention. He left the game and was replaced by Jason Kubel.
The Twins said he had a dislocated and lacerated index finger on his right hand.
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Losing Cuddyer for any extended time would be a huge blow to the young Twins. He signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension in the offseason and has emerged as one of the main clubhouse leaders in the wake of Torii Hunter’s departure for the Angels.
The fifth-year veteran is the No. 3 hitter in what has been a struggling lineup and also leads the league in outfield assists over the last two years. He spent 15 days on the disabled list last season with a sprained right thumb.
Cuddyer entered the game hitting just .188, but had singles in his first two at-bats before leaving with the injury.
