Orioles’ J.J. Hardy out 4-6 weeks with broken wrist

Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy will be out 4-6 weeks with a non-displaced fracture in his right wrist, The Baltimore Sun is reporting Hardy was hit by a pitch during Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.

The 34-year old was slashing an anemic .211/.248/.308 this season, recording 43 strikeouts and three home runs. While Hardy has never been a slugger, he’s maintained middle of the road consistency for Baltimore over the course of his seven years with the club, including a 2013 All-Star season. His most valuable asset is his defense, which has earned him three Gold Gloves in an Orioles uniform.

While Hardy won’t require surgery, his absence is certainly an extended inconvenience for Baltimore. Ruben Tejada will take the veteran’s place, and maybe for the better. The 27-year old is hitting .250 with five hits and one RBI over 20 at bat since being acquired from the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate.

Hardy is the fifth Oriole to be placed on the DL for an extended period, as he now joins Chris Davis and Zach Britton on the sidelines.