Miguel Gonzalez injury: Orioles starter pushed back with blister issues

Baltimore hopes that the pitcher can start on Saturday instead of Thursday.

By Connor Moylan May 8, 2013, 9:48pm EDT

The Baltimore Orioles have scratched starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez from his start on Thursday as he is currently bothered by a blister on the side of his right thumb.

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Gonzalez had to leave his start after six innings on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels. The right-handed surrendered two home runs in the start, but only allowed three runs while striking out five hitters.

The starter will throw on Thursday, but will wear a band-aid during the session. Major League Baseball rules do not allow pitchers to use band-aids during games while they are pitching.

Gonzalez is being pushed back until Saturday, as the team is hopeful that the starter will be able to return by then. Orioles mangager Buck Showalter did say that the team has a backup plan in case Gonzalez is unable to pitch, which suggests there is still a possibility that the started ends up on the disabled list. Showalter stated the team would wait until after his throwing session on Thursday to make a decision.

The starter has not pitched particularly well for Baltimore this year, but has managed to eat innings in respectable fashion each of his six starts. Gonzalez has a 4.58 ERA through 35.1 innings this season. The right-hander made 15 starts for the Orioles last season, and posted a 3.25 ERA.