Orioles' Chris Davis exits Friday's game with left oblique strain

Chris Davis was removed early from Friday night's Orioles game with what the team deemed a left oblique strain. The first baseman grabbed at his side after fouling a pitch back in an at-bat in the third inning. He finished the at-bat, a lineout to center, and played another inning in the field, before being lifted from the game, with Ryan Flaherty shifting to first base in his place.

Oblique strains are never good news. It's probably premature to assume he's headed to the disabled list immediately, but that seems to be the standard procedure for that kind of injury. Wei-Yin Chen dealt with an oblique strain last year and missed two months of the season.

Infielders who are on the 40-man but not the active roster are Jemile Weeks, David Adams, and Michael Almanzar. Rule 5 pick Almanzar is already on the disabled list himself, though he is working his way back. None of these are anywhere close to capable replacements either on the roster or in the lineup for Davis. Neither is Flaherty.

While the game is still going on, there won't be any further updates. They may need to find out more tomorrow. Orioles fans will be holding their breath and hoping for the best.