Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy will go on the disabled list with a hairline fracture in his left foot, an injury that is expected to keep the club’s Gold Glove shortstop out approximately four to six weeks, according to an industry source.
Hardy fouled a pitch off his left foot in the fourth inning of the Orioles’ 7-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon. He remained in the game, but was removed after the foot stiffened on him.
The club initially called the injury a left foot contusion, but an X-ray taken Sunday — as well as a CT scan Monday morning — revealed more than a bruise.
Still, the diagnosis is better than what was originally feared. When it happened, there was concern that Hardy might miss at least two months.
The Orioles will likely place Hardy on the disabled list before Tuesday’s series opener against the New York Yankees at Camden Yards. The club will likely recall utility man Ryan Flaherty to fill his roster spot.
Flaherty, who is 8-for-19 in five games with Triple-A Norfolk, wouldn’t have served the mandatory 10 days in the minors following an option, but he can be recalled earlier if it is part of a DL move.
The team could also select the contract of infielder Paul Janish, but he would have to be added to the 40-man roster first and Janish is slated to go on paternity leave on Wednesday.
The Orioles could add both players — returning to a conventional four-man bench – but that would require them to go back to 12 pitchers.
Hardy has been mostly healthy this season, his only health issue before this weekend’s was a mild calf strain that cost him two games during the first week of the regular season.
Last year, Hardy battled through various injuries, including playing all season with a torn labrum in his left non-throwing shoulder that zapped his power at the plate.
An MRI on Orioles closer Zach Britton’s left ankle — which was sprained on Saturday as Britton was trying to make an athletic, glove-scoop putout on a bunt down the first-base line — revealed no structural damage.
The Orioles could have Britton back at some point during this week’s three-game series against the Yankees.
Britton has not gone on the disabled list since taking over full-time closer duties in May 2014. He opened the 2012 season on the disabled list, shelved for 10 weeks recovering from left shoulder impingement that required a PRP injection.
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