Mariners P Hisashi Iwakuma injures finger by catching it on net

Pitchers and catchers reported for spring training across Major League Baseball this week. You know what that means? Weird injuries are back, folks.

The first victim of the offseason was Seattle Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma. The News Tribune’s Bob Dutton reported on Wednesday that Iwakuma is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks after being diagnosed with a strained middle finger on his throwing hand. However, the injury didn’t happen while he was throwing. Instead, Iwakuma got it caught in a net.

The 32-year-old explained how the injury happened through a translator.

“We were doing some baseball drills, working out with ex-teammates,” he said . “I jumped for a ball, and unconsciously grabbed the netting (on a protective movable screen).

“My right (middle) finger got caught in the net, and I pulled it. I knew it was injured. I didn’t think it was a major thing. I rested my finger for about a week and started playing catch again, long toss as always. I thought it was good, but the pain didn’t go away.”

Almost exactly a year ago, we saw another baseball player suffer an injury at the hands of some spring training equipment. As we’ve said before, baseball players always seem to suffer the most bizarre injuries. The trend is already continuing in 2014.

H/T Big League Stew