Bell Placed on 60 Day DL

(Philadelphia, Pa) - David Bell, whom yesterday suffered a finger injury, received an MRI today. He was scheduled for the test at 1:00 pm in Temple Hospital. The results came back and they were positive. Bell had suffered a torn ligament in his right index finger. This is a very serious injury and will take some time to heal. The Phillies estimate that Bell will be out at least two months and today he was placed on the 60 day DL.

Bell's spot on the roster was replaced with the call up of Bob Jones. Jones is an infield specialist; however he is listed as a second baseman. Jones was tearing it up in Scranton; he was batting a stellar .442 in his first five games with the Red Barons. Jones will fill Bell's spot on the roster; however he will not take his position.

Abraham Nunez will be playing third in Bell's absence. Nunez is an experienced veteran who spent most of his career with Pittsburgh, and last year with the St. Louis Cardinals. This year in pinch hit situations, Nunez is batting 1/3 with an RBI. Hopefully, Nunez can continue that 1/3 ratio over the two months that Bell is on the DL.

This injury to Bell is an early season set back, but the Phillies should be able to get through it. Even if the Phillies do struggle without Bell, it is only two months. A great man once said, “It is a marathon, not a sprint.”

- Rich Ballezzi