Davis heading to DL with left oblique strain
BALTIMORE -- The Orioles will put All-Star first baseman Chris Davis on the disabled list after the results of Saturday's MRI revealed a left oblique strain that's more serious than the club originally had hoped.
"It's kind of crazy, because I don't feel terrible," said Davis, who exited Friday's game after four innings and was optimistic he'd avoid the DL. "I've never had anything like this before. I figured it would just be a few days and then we'd forget about it."
Davis is obviously hoping the 15-day minimum stay is all he will need and he will continue to get treatment and stay with the team. His absence is a major blow to an Orioles club already without third baseman Manny Machado.
"Its definitely disappointing, frustrating. I do a lot to try and take care of my body and prevent injuries," said Davis, who played in 160 games last year, logging 53 homers and 138 RBIs. "You play this game long enough, eventually you're going to run into something like this, but I'm going to stay positive. I definitely have the best group of guys behind me and they picked me up tonight with a win and an exciting win. That was good to see. We've got more than our share of guys in here that are capable of picking me up and [helping] the team until get back."
Manager Buck Showalter said the team could wait until after Sunday's game, given Monday's off-day, before adding another player to the roster. In Davis' place, Nick Markakis started at first base and delivered two RBI singles, including the game-winner in Saturday's 3-2 walkoff-win in 10 innings.
Showalter declined to elaborate on what the MRI showed.
"It's something we think will take the DL period at a minimum, so we'll start with that tomorrow," the skipper said. "That doesn't mean we have to bring anybody. We'll see. I'm not sure what they've decided yet."
Ryan Flaherty took over at first base when Davis exited early in Friday's game against the Royals.
"As far as I know right now it's 15-day DL," Davis said after Saturday's win. "So, hopefully things will go well and I'll be able to bounce back quickly."