ANAHEIM, Calif. — Los Angeles Angels third baseman David Freese will be out at least two weeks with a broken right index finger after getting hit by a pitch Wednesday night.
Freese left the Angels’ 5-2 victory over Minnesota in the fourth inning when he turned into contact in an attempt to avoid Mike Pelfrey’s inside pitch to the right-handed hitter.
Freese took first base after getting hit, but eventually left the game after consulting with manager Mike Scioscia. X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture, and Freese is expected to be placed on the disabled list Thursday.
Freese must wear a splint for at least two weeks before another X-ray will determine how quickly he can return.
"After that, it’s just about me toughing it out, pain tolerance," Freese said. "It’s kind of similar to last year."
The 2011 World Series MVP broke his right middle finger last season when he was hit by a pitch. He was out for 16 games.
"You want to be in the lineup," Freese said. "I’ll just be a good cheerleader, come in wearing a big smile and be ready to go when I’m ready."
Freese is batting .240 with 11 homers and 43 RBIs in 90 games as the Angels’ starting third baseman. Although he hasn’t been a game-changing hitter, he has been steady in the Angels’ sometimes top-heavy lineup.
"This is a big one, obviously," Scioscia said. "It’s big, but it’s just part of the season. We’re going to have to continue to carry momentum from game to game."
Los Angeles has won seven straight games and 17 of 20 overall while streaking to the AL’s second-best record at 54-40.
Taylor Featherston replaced Freese in the fourth inning, but the Angels have two minor-league third basemen who could replace Freese on the 25-man roster when he hits the disabled list.
Kyle Kubitza is having a solid season for the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake, and former top prospect Kaleb Cowart has revitalized his career by batting .333 for the same Bees team with 31 RBIs in 38 games.
