Michael Bourn injury: Cleveland outfielder out indefinitely with hand injury

The Cleveland Indians outfielder needed stitches after injuring his hand sliding headfirst into first base.

By Connor Moylan Apr 14, 2013, 5:39pm EDT

The Cleveland Indians will be without the services of outfielder Michael Bourn for the near future, as Bourn needed five stitches in his hand after Matt Thornton stepped on his hand during a close play at first base.

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The speedy centerfielder hit a groundball to first baseman Adam Dunn in the eighth inning, forcing the pitcher Thornton to cover the bag. Bourn slid headfirst into first base, and Thornton accidentally spiked his hand on the play. Bourn was in noticeable pain, and had to leave the game.

Bourn needed the stitches to close up the wound on his right index finger, and will not be able to play until they are removed. Cleveland manger Terry Francona did not give a timetable for Bourn's return when addressing the media, but the team is unlikely to place Bourn on the DL.

Cleveland has the depth to replace Bourn in the short-term. Drew Stubbs can man centerfield in his absence, with Nick Swisher moving from first base to rightfield to cover for Stubbs. The Indians could use Mark Reynolds or recently-activated Jason Giami at first base.

Bourn signed a 4-year, $48 million contract with the Indians this off-season. The team's lead-off man struck the ball well to start the season, hitting .293/.341/.512 in his first 44 plate appearances for Cleveland.