After spending the first seven years of his major league career with the Twins, Brian Duensing is in his first with the Orioles, one that will include a lengthy absence as a result of a freak injury.
The Orioles played the Rangers on Monday in a make up game for one that was postponed due to rain in mid-April. It was during that game the Baltimore relief pitcher felt discomfort in his elbow after adjusting in his bullpen chair.
“It was in Texas,” Duensing told MASN Sports. “About the second inning. I was sitting on a chair and I just kind of rolled over and felt something weird. Next thing you know it was swollen and I couldn’t move it. Next thing you know, I was in the training room and didn’t really do anything. I did nothing to it. Wasn’t throwing. I had played catch earlier that day and felt fine. I was just sitting there. I don’t know what happened.”
Baseball has become known for its players suffering injuries in peculiar ways. Jose Bautista recently hit the disabled list after jamming his toe on on outfield wall. Last year, Drew Storen broke his thumb slamming a locker door and Curt Casali strained his hamstring during his home run trot.
Next up for Duensing is arthroscopic surgery, which will likely keep him sidelined anywhere from four to eight weeks. The 33-year-old has appeared in seven games this season and posted a 5.40 ERA since making his debut for the Orioles earlier this month.
Photo credit – USATSI – Tommy Gilligan
