Newman on IL after pitching machine accident

CHICAGO -- Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Tuesday, after team officials said he sustained a hand injury while helping set up a pitching machine on Wednesday.

Newman lacerated the middle finger of his right hand, team trainer Todd Tomczyk said before Thursday¡¯s game against the Cubs. Tomczyk said the team doesn¡¯t anticipate the injury to be a long-term issue but said a hand surgeon recommended that Newman has limited to no activity for 48-72 hours.

Newman said the machine fell in an awkward way and jammed his finger, which he called ¡°unfortunate.¡±

¡°It¡¯s hard to explain because machines are weird,¡± Newman said Thursday.

Newman¡¯s injury occurred not long after he collected a walk-off, game-winning hit Saturday against the Reds. On Monday, he committed a critical error during a 10-0 loss to the Cubs. Newman¡¯s throwing error came with two outs in the second inning and led to six unearned runs.

¡°It¡¯s tough timing,¡± Newman said. ¡°I certainly would like to be out there and help the team, but it is what is and I¡¯ll just try to get back as quickly as I can.¡±

The Pirates recalled infielder Kevin Kramer from Triple-A Indianapolis, where he was hitting .231 with two RBIs. Kramer was sent to Indianapolis at the end of Spring Training with the hope he could see time at multiple positions as a way to get his bat into the lineup.

Kramer said Thursday he has worked at shortstop and third base as well as right and left field. He hopes to make a good impression with the Pirates as long as his opportunity lasts.

¡°Obviously, this is the goal place to be,¡± Kramer said. ¡°¡­ At this point, it¡¯s just about coming up here and helping any way.¡±

Manager Clint Hurdle said the plan is to use Kramer as an infielder and move him around as needed. But Hurdle said Kramer¡¯s best approach to contribute for the Pirates in the future is to be prepared to play multiple positions. Kramer hit .207 with a home run and seven RBIs in Spring Training.

¡°We¡¯ve had many guys come up, move around initially and then settle into one spot,¡± Hurdle said.