CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians lost a relief pitcher to injury this weekend, and it seems the team was quite displeased by the way the injury came about.
Nick Hagadone was placed on something called the “minor league disqualified list” on Sunday.
Hagadone resides there after suffering what Indians general manager Chris Antonetti called a significant injury to his pitching hand when he, evidently, punched a wall — or some other unforgiving item — after a bad appearance on Friday.
Antonetti said Hagadone’s “self-inflicted” injury happened during a 10-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. It sounds like he will be out for a long time, perhaps the rest of the season.
Hagadone gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning. Then he took out his frustration on the unidentified stationary object.
“We’re certainly disappointed with the reaction to it,” Antonetti said.
To say the least.
The disqualified list is used when a player violates his contract, which is what happens when a player is injured in activities outside of normal baseball activity.
Usually, though, it would apply to things like a reckless motorcycle accident, or an injury in a fight at home. That the Indians are using it when a guy hurt his hand over frustration over not pitching well shows their feelings.
While on the DQ list, Hagadone cannot accrue service time, will not be paid and is treated as suspended.
Antonetti did not specify the injury, but Hagadone will visit hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham on Monday.
“He’s very remorseful, he’s sorry it happened and he’s been very accountable for it,” Antonetti said.
Hagadone started well when brought up to Cleveland earlier this season, but was sent to the minors Saturday after he had given up 15 runs in his past 11-1/3 innings.
