Navarro injures thumb - updated

Posted Mar 11, 2010 by Tribune Sports

Updated Mar 11, 2010 at 05:08 PM

BRADENTON - X-rays taken on catcher Dioner Navarro’s thumb back at the Rays’ complex in Port Charlotte were “inconclusive,” the team said.

Navarro left today’s split squad game against the Pirates in the third inning after getting hit on the thumb on a pick-off attempt by pitcher Jack Taschner. The injury was called a contusion, but Navarro said the thumb was bent back when he was struck.

Asked if he believes it could be more serious, Navarro said, “It hurts. Hopefully, it’s just a contusion and nothing else. A few days and I’ll be back on track.”

Navarro said he didn’t even consider trying to remain in the game. “As soon as the ball hit me, I wasn’t even going to go into second,” he said. “I was more worried about my thumb. But it is what it is.”

Navarro, coming off a disappointing season in which he batted only .218, is set to share the catching job with newcomer Kelly Shoppach.

- Tony Fabrizio