Baltimore Orioles: Baltimore RF Nick Markakis out 3-4 Weeks with Wrist Surgery

The injury bug has finally made its way to Camden Yards and the Baltimore Orioles.

The news was first broken by Rock Kubatko of MASNsports.com:

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Markakis broke hammate bone. Surgery tomorrow morning. Not season ending. 3-4 weeks is an estimate

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) May 31, 2012

 

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This is a huge blow to the Orioles, who have surprised many and are currently in a tie for first place in the American League with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kubatko writes that the original injury occurred about a week or two ago when sliding into second base, but was really broken on Tuesday.

Baltimore manager Buck Showalter told Kubatko that Markakis just has to wait it out before he can play again:

"Nick just has to let the wound heal more than anything. Some guys respond quickly. Two weeks. Some longer."

Markakis is hitting .256/.333/.452 in 50 games with the Orioles this season. He's hit eight home runs, scored in 25 games and has 26 RBI while playing a solid right field.

Replacing last year's Gold Glove award winner will not be easy, as Baltimore currently only has three outfielders on the active roster. The Orioles carry a ton of infielders, so a corresponding move once Markakis hits the disabled list is likely.