Orioles place J.J. Hardy on 15-day disabled list

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 03, 2016, 10:44am

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The Orioles made their roster move official today, subtracting the undisputed leader of their infield due to injury.

J.J. Hardy has been placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to yesterday with a fractured left foot, and the Orioles recalled infielder Ryan Flaherty from Triple-A Norfolk.

A CT scan yesterday confirmed that Hardy suffered a hairline fracture after fouling a ball off it during the fourth inning of Sunday afternoon's game against the White Sox. Hardy remained in the game through the fifth before leaving and undergoing X-rays.

Hardy will miss at least four weeks.

Hardy, who began last season on the DL with a left shoulder injury, is batting .244/.291/.410 with seven doubles, two home runs and eight RBIs in 22 games. The three-time Gold Glove winner hasn't committed an error in 87 chances.

Flaherty was 2-for-10 in four games with the Orioles before they optioned him on April 25 to create a roster spot for pitcher Kevin Gausman. He started at third base the previous day, with Manny Machado sliding over to shortstop, and it could become a familiar alignment while Hardy is on the disabled list.

Flaherty was 8-for-19 with Norfolk before flying into Baltimore last night. He wasn't eligible to be recalled before Thursday, but he's replacing an injured player.

The Orioles still have a three-man bench as they begin their three-game series tonight against the Yankees, but they could purchase infielder Paul Janish's contract after he returns from paternity leave.

Janish should be back by Saturday at the latest.