During the third inning of yesterday's game against the Minnesota Twins, Johnny Damon attempted to drop down a bunt against starter Brian Duensing. Runners were on the corners with one out, and Damon seemed to be trying to bunt for a hit since the Twins had their infielders playing deep. The pitch rode inside, though, and ended up hitting Damon square on his left ring finger. While Damon promptly hit the next pitch for a single up the middle, he had to leave the game after the fourth inning and he's currently listed as day-to-day with a finger bruise.
↵According to Damon (quote provided by Marc Topkin):
↵↵↵"It's very sore. It's really tough to squeeze anything right now,'' Damon said. "Hopefully, I'll be ready to go as soon as possible. That's about all we know right now until probably tomorrow...It's pretty bruised. I've got it up in a splint right now just so I can't bang it on anything. It's just a very unfortunate thing."
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Damon's been a leader for the Rays this season, and he currently has a nine-game hit streak going. He's had the game-winning hit for two of the Rays' last three victories, so here's hoping the injury doesn't keep him out long. Especially with Evan Longoria still out with his injury, the Rays need all the offense they can get.