Major League Baseball

K-Rod injured while stepping on cactus

Published Mar. 12, 2014 5:08 p.m. ET

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PHOENIX (AP) Francisco Rodriguez's spring training debut for the Milwaukee Brewers could be delayed after the pitcher injured a foot by stepping on a cactus.

''He took out a lot of the thorns, but there some more in there,'' Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said Wednesday. ''I don't think it's that big of a setback, but I imagine he's pretty sore today.''

Rodriguez reported late because of a visa problem and was expected to make his first appearance Thursday against San Diego in Peoria.

''He may come in today and say, `I'm pitching.''' Roenicke said. ''The way he is. It's tough to keep him back, so he may end up pitching tomorrow. I just have to talk to him and see how he's doing.''

The 32-year-old, who agreed to a $3.25 million, one-year contract last month, was acquired during the 2011 All-Star break and went 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA in 31 appearances. He was 2-7 with a 4.38 ERA the following season, then had a 2.70 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 46 2-3 innings last year. Rodriguez got his 300th save on June 22, then was traded to Baltimore a month later.

Milwaukee has history with unusual injuries. Pitcher Zack Greinke began the 2011 season on the disabled list after getting hurt during a pickup basketball game, and general manager Doug Melvin was bit by a scorpion last year. In 1994, pitcher Steve Sparks separated a shoulder trying to tear a phone book in half.

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