Texas Rangers reliever Brock Burke suffered a fractured non-throwing hand after punching a wall in frustration following a tough outing against the Houston Astros on Friday night.
Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Burke, a left-hander, broke his right hand during the incident and was placed on the injured list the following day.
The 27-year-old allowed multiple hits and runs in the seventh inning of the game, leading to his team’s victory.
Bochy expressed understanding for Burke’s competitive spirit but also emphasized the need for control and discipline in such situations to prevent injury.
Despite the setback, Burke will continue to receive his salary while recovering from the injury this season.
During the game, tensions rose between the teams after Burke’s errant pitch hit Astros player Yordan Alvarez. This incident led to a home run by Kyle Tucker and added to the drama of the match.
Bochy defended Burke, stating that the pitcher was struggling with command and had no intention of hitting Alvarez intentionally.
Following the incident, Bochy plans to speak with Burke about the consequences of his actions and the importance of maintaining composure under pressure.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, with other players injuring themselves due to frustration during games.
To replace Burke on the roster, right-hander Austin Pruitt was called up from Triple-A Round Rock.