Oscar Hernandez Out 6-8 Weeks with a Broken Bone in His Wrist

Diamondbacks catcher Oscar Hernandez will be out six to eight weeks after fracturing his hamate bone in his left-hand according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.

He is scheduled to undergo surgery with Dr. Don Sheridan on Thursday morning. The normal recovery time for this injury is 4-6 weeks, but Hernandez could be out up to 8 weeks.

Hernandez felt discomfort in his swing during Monday’s game, but during a fourth-inning at bat on Tuesday, he started to feel significant pain.

Hernandez was the Diamondbacks Rule 5 draft pick this year. Despite the injury, he can still remain in the organization.

He will be placed on the major-league disabled list, go on a minor league rehab assignment when ready, and when he is ready to come back to the team, the Diamondbacks will have to keep him on the 25 man roster for the rest of the season.

My Thoughts: 

Hernandez really impressed the coaching staff with his major-league ability behind his plate, and his relentless work ethic.

Its unfourtunate that this injury had to happened to a player that cares so much about getting better, and getting to know the pitching staff. He took notes during bullpen sessions to get to know the pitchers better.

Hopefully he can make a full recovery and make an impact on the team in the middle of the season.

This injury completely changes the Diamondbacks catching situation. Peter O’Brien, Gerald Larid, and the rest of the veteran backstops have chances to earn jobs on the 25 man roster.

According nf to Bob Elliot of the Toronto Sun, the Dbacks are one of two teams expressing interest in Dioner Navarro, who has said publicaly that he wants to be traded. This could be an option. The Dbacks were mentioned in connection with him last winter.