Following a disappointing outing against the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers reliever Brock Burke found himself sidelined after breaking his non-throwing hand in a fit of frustration. The incident occurred after Burke allowed three hits and four runs in the seventh inning of the game, which the Rangers ultimately won 12-8.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Burke broke his right hand when he punched a wall out of frustration. Bochy expressed understanding for Burke's competitive spirit but emphasized the need for athletes to manage their emotions effectively.
During the game, Burke faced criticism from the Astros after a pitch hit Yordan Alvarez on the elbow, following several close calls. Alvarez's reaction and subsequent home run off Burke's pitch added tension to the situation. Bochy clarified that Burke's struggles with control were not intentional and stemmed from his efforts to regain form on the mound.
Bochy acknowledged the consequences of Burke's actions and highlighted the importance of maintaining composure under pressure. He mentioned plans to discuss the incident with Burke to address the situation and ensure it does not recur.
This incident is not the first of its kind in baseball, as Astros reliever Phil Maton suffered a similar injury in 2022 after punching a locker in frustration. In response to Burke's injury, right-hander Austin Pruitt was called up from Triple-A Round Rock to fill the roster spot.
Despite the setback, the Rangers are focused on supporting Burke's recovery and helping him learn from the experience to return stronger in future games.
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