Former Clemson infielder out indefinitely for MLB season

(USA TODAY Sports-Gary Vasquez)

by TigerNet Staff - Jul 22, 2020, 10:53 AM

Former Clemson and current Baltimore Orioles player Steve Wilkerson is out indefinitely for the 60-game MLB season after an injury suffered in an exhibition Sunday.

Wilkerson made a diving play that fractured his left ring finger and Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he expects Wilkerson to miss "significant time."

Wilkerson expressed his thoughts on social media Tuesday:

View this post on Instagram

This is a really tough one to swallow. The level of excitement I had for this coming week rivals anything I can remember. Nothing makes me happier then walking through the doors at Camden every day to go to work and I am going to miss all the people that make it so special, temporarily. The game, the camaraderie, and putting on that uni are some of the things I treasure most. I’m lucky to have the support system I have and a heaven sent wife and dog waiting for me with open, loving arms. I’ll be pulling for my guys big time and hopefully be able to join them sooner than later. “Pain heals” -Falco Go O’s.

A post shared by S T E V I E B (@stevie_wilk) on Jul 20, 2020 at 7:44pm PDT

Wilkerson saw action in 117 games last season with 10 home runs, 18 doubles, 35 RBIs and a .225 average, playing in all outifeld positions, second base, designated hitter and also making four appearances as a pitcher with one save and a 6.75 ERA over 5 1/3 innings.

“It’s very disappointing,” Hyde told local reporters. “It was kind of a freak injury, freak accident where the finger just bent back. He’s very down about it. It’s a tough blow for him and a tough blow for us. He’s a big part of this team, not only what he brings to the field, but the life and personality he brings to the clubhouse. It’s an unfortunate injury.”

Wilkerson was a three-time All-ACC honoree with a college .291 batting average, 47 doubles, six triples, 11 home runs and 115 RBIs.