Bourn could miss a month with broken finger

BRADENTON, Fla. - The injuries are piling up for the Orioles, with outfielder Michael Bourn the latest player housed in the training room.

Bourn broke the ring finger on his right hand yesterday while trying to catch a football as part of his workout at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Manager Buck Showalter said Bourn could be out four weeks.

Players often toss around a football before batting practice on the road or near the conclusion of their workout. Bourn jammed the finger and X-rays revealed the break.

The Orioles signed Bourn to a minor league deal on Monday. He can make $2 million if he reaches the majors, with another $3.5 million possible in incentives.

Bourn's deal includes a March 27 opt-out clause, but outside interest could be impacted by his injury.

The Orioles acquired Bourn from the Diamondbacks on Aug. 31 for minor league pitcher Jason Heinrich and he batted .283/.358/.435 with two home runs in 24 games. The Orioles re-signed him earlier this week in a continuing attempt to upgrade their corner outfield defense.

Catcher Welington Castillo was supposed to catch today and bat fourth, but he woke up this morning with neck spasms and is day-to-day. He slept "wrong," according to Showalter.

"We'll see what tomorrow brings," Showalter said.

Outfielder Chris Dickerson fouled a ball off his shin yesterday in Lakeland, but he made the trip today and is available to play later in the game.

Left-hander T.J. McFarland cleared outright waivers yesterday and is now on release waivers.

The Orioles could attempt to re-sign McFarland if he clears. They'd attempt to reach a deal for less than the $685,000 that McFarland was slated to earn after avoiding arbitration.

The Orioles expected to find out at 1 p.m. whether outfielder/first baseman Christian Walker cleared waivers.