Indians’ Bradley Zimmer out 6-8 weeks with broken hand

UPDATE (Sept. 13): Zimmer underwent surgery on his hand Tuesday and will miss 6-8 weeks, according to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian. This appears to eliminate the chances of him contributing in the postseason at any point.

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ORIGINAL: Indians outfielder Bradley Zimmer broke a bone in his hand and will see a hand specialist Monday, according to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian. Orioles first baseman Chris Davis accidentally stepped on Zimmer’s hand when Zimmer slid into first base Sunday night.

Zimmer, 24, has hit .241/.307/.385 with eight homers and 18 steals while serving as Cleveland’s primary center-fielder this year. If he has to miss significant time, the club could does have some options: Greg Allen, Tyler Naquin and Abraham Almonte headline a group of outfielders with experience in center.

While the extent of Zimmer’s potential absence isn’t known, the news comes as at least a small blow to an Indians club that has won 18 games in a row and emerged as a World Series favorite in recent weeks. It remains to be seen if the rookie will be able to contribute come October as the club chases its second American League title in as many seasons.