Michael Bourn Injures Hamstring; Indians Being Cautious

Mar 16, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Michael Bourn (24) runs to third base in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Bourn Injures Surgical Repaired Hamstring

Don’t look now, but the Indians may have experienced their first noteworthy injury of the Spring on Sunday. In their game against the Giants, starting center fielder Michael Bourn was forced to leave the early after aggravating his left hamstring. Prior to exiting, Bourn had gone 1 for 2 with a run scored.

While this may not seem like all that big of a deal on the surface, the injury becomes a bit more concerning once you realize this is the same hamstring that Bourn injured towards the end of last season and needed surgery in order to properly heal this off-season. Unlike a bruise or broken bone, injuries that tend to heal and once they do are long forgotten, injured muscles can linger for an extended period of time and impact a player for months following. for Bourn and the Indians, the key will be rest and recovery to ensure he is ready to go once the season starts.

Another reason why this injury is particularly concerning is due largely in part to Bourn’s performance last season. After struggling in the second half, Bourn’s final numbers failed to live up to the four-year, $48-million contract he signed prior to the start of spring training. With a renewed sense of focus and understanding that he can not fulfill the promise of that contract with one at bat, Bourn promised he would be better in 2014. Now it appears that his 2014 could be beginning right where 2013 left off, with him limping.

This also means that Nyjer Morgan, the speedy center fielder signed as insurance against such an injury. becomes that much more important. If Bourn is forced to miss time, or God forbid has to undergo some type of procedure in order to fix the problem, Morgan could provide an option as a serviceable fill in. Morgan had been performing well so far this Spring and had even garnered praise from Terry Francona on several occasions prior to injuring his calf last week.

In the meantime, the Indians will utilize extreme caution with Michael Bourn. After all, they know what they have in him and what he can bring to the table when healthy. For that reason, it makes no sense to rush him back out on to the field for games that are otherwise meaningless right now. Look for him to sit out the remainder of the spring and possible make a start in one of their final tune-up games, provided he does not experience a set back.