Phillies RF Domonic Brown breaks hand

A horrible Spring just got worse for Phillies top prospect Domonic Brown.

After starting Spring Training 0-for-15 with 9 strikeouts at the plate, Brown picked up his first hit of the year in the bottom of the 2nd inning of Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. However the right fielder did it with a broken right hand.

Brown broke the hamate bone in his right hand on his first swing of the game. General manager Ruben Amaro said Brown looked to be in pain after that, shaking his hand repeatedly.

The hamate is a bone near the bottom of the hand, and while breaks are not uncommon for hitters, surgery is usually required.

Amaro said Brown will likely fly back to Philadelphia for further evaluation, and if the team deems surgery a necessity, Brown would miss between three and six weeks.

“We’re going to do further studies early next week, probably Monday or Tuesday to make sure we have the right diagnosis there,” Amaro said.

The setback is yet another frustrating turn for Brown, who arrived in spring training with hopes of winning the everyday job in right field.

“I’m sure he’s disappointed,” Amaro said after Saturday’s game. “I talked to him a couple of minutes ago and he didn’t sound that great. It’s part of the game.”

Ben Francisco will likely be the team’s opening day right fielder.