Baltimore Orioles: J.J. Hardy Leaves Game With Back Spasms
After suffering a number of injuries this season, Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy added to that list on Labor Day. According to the Orioles official Twitter account, Hardy left the game against the Minnesota Twins with back spasms.
J.J. Hardy left today's game with a low back spasm. Ryan Flaherty takes his place at shortstop in the 8th.
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 1, 2014
In Hardy’s absence, the O’s have been put in the unfortunate position of starting utility man Ryan Flaherty in almost every game. That is not something the team wants to occur.
However, if Hardy is to continue to be baffled by injuries, then this will have to take place.
The one piece of good news that comes out of this is that some of the Orioles’ veteran bench players will see more playing time.
With first baseman Chris Davis likely staying at third, Steve Pearce will play at first. Outfielders Delmon Young and newly-acquired Alejandro De Aza are also looking for some more playing time, but this injury won’t have too much of an effect on them.