NewsCantu OK after being plunked on hand
X-ray reveals no fracture after fifth-inning beaning
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
04/08/09 4:41 PM ET
MIAMI -- When you get plunked on the hand by a 91-mph fastball, you are going to be sore. The good news for Jorge Cantu is the pain is just that. Nothing is broken.Cantu was struck on the back of his left hand by a Daniel Cabrera pitch in the fifth inning on Wednesday in the Marlins' 6-4 win over the Nationals at Dolphin Stadium.
For precautionary reasons, an X-ray was taken and the results came back negative.
"It's sore," said Cantu, who had the hand wrapped when he left the clubhouse.
Shaken up initially, Cantu had the back of his hand checked by trainer Sean Cunningham. He remained in the game, and scored on Dan Uggla's three-run double.
But after playing the field in the top of the sixth inning, Cantu was removed at the top of the seventh inning when the hand began to tighten.
"I was looking forward to keep playing," Cantu said. "I'll be all right."
The Marlins are off on Thursday and open a three-game series with the Mets on Friday at Dolphin Stadium. Cantu said he expects to be ready.
"I'll rest it and ice it, and hopefully, I'll be OK by Friday," he said.
After playing mostly third base last year, Cantu is the starting first baseman and Florida's cleanup hitter.
He's off to a fast start, going 4-for-9 (.444) with two home runs, a double and five RBIs in the first three games.
When Cantu was removed on Wednesday, the left-handed hitting Ross Gload played first base. Wes Helms is another option to play first.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
