Orioles catcher Yohel Pozo gets hit in hand by Josh Bell's bat, leaves game

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Baltimore Orioles catcher Yohel Pozo left in the third inning of Tuesday's 5-2 win over Minnesota after he was struck by Josh Bell's bat on the back of his left hand.

Pozo reached for a pitch that Bell swung at. Bell’s bat connected squarely with Pozo's mitt and knocked it off his hand. The Twins designated hitter was awarded first base due to catcher’s interference.

After being examined by trainers, Pozo walked to the dugout and continued up the tunnel to the clubhouse. He was replaced by Carlos Narvaez. The team later said X-rays did not reveal a break, but Pozo's left index finger was “banged up pretty good,” manager Craig Albernaz said.

Pozo is hitting .256 with a home run and seven RBIs in 24 games this season. The Orioles claimed him off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on July 17 and called him up to the majors 10 days later.

Baltimore is thin at catcher after trading All-Star Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox at the deadline. The Orioles' remaining starter at the position, Samuel Basallo, is on the injured list.

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