KC pitcher breaks hand punching door in team hotel

5/4/2008 12:32 PM

CLEVELAND (AP) -Kansas City Royals left-hander John Bale, already on the disabled list due to a tight shoulder, broke his pitching hand punching a door at the team's hotel Friday night.

A club spokesman said Bale informed team officials he had pain in his hand after arriving at Progressive Field for Saturday night's game against Cleveland. X-rays were taken during the game, revealing the fracture on the side of his hand.

Bale returned to Kansas City Sunday morning. He will be examined by team doctors, possibly as early as Monday.

Ironically, Bale was making progress with his shoulder problem and it was hoped he would come off the DL in the next few days. He threw a simulated game Friday and was due to throw live batting practice early in the week. Following Friday's throwing session, manager Trey Hillman was optimistic Bale was close to being activated.

The 33-year-old Bale began the season in the rotation. He was 0-3 with a 7.63 earned run average, allowing 13 earned runs and 25 hits in 15 1-3 innings. The Royals planned to move Bale to the bullpen when he returned.

The Royals signed Bale following the 2006 season. He spent the 2004-2006 seasons pitching in Japan. Bale has also pitched for Toronto, Baltimore and Cincinnati. He is 3-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 56 career appearances.