SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Orioles don't expect Michael Bourn to get at-bats in Spring Training games after the outfielder broke his right ring finger while catching a football this past week, manager Buck Showalter said Thursday morning.
"They had a discussion with me yesterday about what has to happen," Showalter said. "If we don't get that right, he's going to end up with a slight deformity in there. You're going to have to really make sure that sets and gets right.
"I think the thought [that] he might be a little earlier than we thought is probably not going to happen."
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Bourn, in camp as a non-roster invitee, broke his finger on Friday, just days after signing a Minor League contract. A veteran of 11 big league seasons, Bourn was competing to win a backup outfield spot.
"Obviously, he's got a good track record, and we know him and he's been here, but he's still going to need some time when they do take the splint … off of there," Showalter said. "This thing could last until the middle of April.
"If you told me right now he was a Major League option for the middle of April, I'd sign up for that."
Bourn, 34, was traded from Arizona to Baltimore on Aug. 31, and he was granted free agency in November before re-signing in February.