Baltimore Orioles outfielder Jimmy Paredes has been sidelined after suffering a wrist injury in a spring training game. Paredes was injured while trying to make a diving catch in right field in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Paredes left the game after being looked at by the team trainers. He was replaced by Dariel Alvarez in the outfield. Paredes had X-rays on his wrist following the injury, but they came back negative. The outfielder has been diagnosed with a wrist sprain and is now wearing a plastic cast. The team did not say how long he would be out of action.
There is a chance that Paredes could end up starting the season on the disabled list if he does not recover soon. Last season Paredes opened the year on the disabled list with a back issue, and he is hoping to avoid starting the 2016 season the same way. Paredes said the wrist is "not broken" and that he is dealing with some soreness.
"That's what they said, but I don't know how long it will take for me to be ready," Paredes said. "I'm a little sad because I came into the spring with the opportunity to make the team. We'll see later."
Paredes injured the wrist while trying to make a sliding catch on a single from Logan Forsythe. The ball floated between Paredes, Christian Walker and Ryan Flaherty, causing Paredes to try and slide to make the catch. Paredes caught his wrist on the ground while sliding for the ball, bending his arm backwards and causing the injury.
"When he can't continue, [I get worried]," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "He's a tough guy. That one concerned me a little bit. I hope we get good news. It bent back pretty good."
The Orioles have been trying to find a true position for Paredes, as he spent most of last season as the designated hitter. Paredes has been playing outfield in the Dominican Winter League while preparing for the 2016 season. The Orioles have a need in the outfield after the deal with Dexter Fowler fell through in free agency. Paredes said that he has been feeling more comfortable each day in the outfield.
Last season Paredes put up solid numbers, and that is why the Orioles are trying to get him into the lineup with more consistency. Paredes hit .275 last season with 10 home runs and 42 RBI in 104 games for Baltimore. The Orioles are hoping that Paredes is sidelined only for a short period of time.