Well, one of the only bright spots for the Houston Astros this season is now on the shelf for 4-6 weeks with a fracture in his right wrist after trying to break up a double play in the Astros 1-0 win against Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Pence, 24, suffered the injury while sliding into second base on Sunday in Pittsburgh. The initial X-rays were negative, but an MRI exam and a second set of X-rays taken on the wrist Monday revealed the more serious injury.From here.
Pence initially expected to be able to play Monday, but realized in the morning that he was dealing with a bigger problem.
"I felt it this morning when I woke up," Pence said. "I was like 'Oh, this isn't healing.' It didn't feel the way I wanted it to. I want to be out there. I love to play. It's very disappointing.
So what does this mean? For the Astros as a whole it doesn't really mean whole lot. The Astros are not going to make the playoffs(well unless a miracle happens) so losing their starting center fielder for over a month isn't going to change a whole lot in that perspective... what does change is Hunter's chances of being the Rookie of the Year. With him being out 4-6 weeks, I believe his chances are all but shot, even though he was the front-runner for the award in my opinion. I also think this assures us that Bruntlett will stay with the Astros at least until Pence gets back, even after Everett returns. Bruntlett is probably the Astros best defensive centerfielder now with Pence gone.
With Pence being put on the DL, the Astros brought up Jason Lane (who was batting over .300 in Triple A). I would call this Lane's last chance to be an Astro. If he fails now, I believe he's done as an Astro.