San Diego Padres CF Tony Gwynn Jr goes on DL with broken bone in hand

Padres put Gwynn on DL with broken hand

CHICAGO — San Diego centerfielder Tony Gwynn Jr., went on the disabled list Thursday with a broken bone in his right hand.

Gwynn suffered the injury while fouling off a pitch in Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. The Padres thought he had a sprained wrist, but an examination by a Chicago doctor revealed the break.

Padres manager Bud Black said Gwynn flew back to San Diego on Thursday for evaluation.

Black doesn’t know how long Gwynn will be out. Black said Gwynn has made some great, game-saving plays with his arm. He’s posted a .212 batting average.

The Padres entered Thursday’s game in Chicago with the NL’s best record at 72-47 and a six-game lead over San Francisco. Chris Denorfia started in center.