Triple-A Norfolk activated Vazquez (thumb) from the 7-day injured list Tuesday. Vazquez missed about two months of action due to a broken right thumb, but he's since rejoined Norfolk following a rehab assignment with High-A Frederick. After going 6-for-23 (.261) with four doubles, four RBI and two stolen bases during his assignment, Vazquez launched a solo home run in his return to the Tides on Tuesday.
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said Monday that Vazquez has been diagnosed with a broken right thumb, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports. An X-ray confirmed the thumb fracture, which Vazquez suffered when he was hit by a pitch in Sunday's game against the Nationals. Vazquez also required stitches to seal a wound on his hand. A timeline for Vazquez's return will likely depend on whether or not he requires surgery, but regardless, the thumb injury removes the 26-year-old from consideration for a reserve infield role on the Orioles' Opening Day roster. Vazquez is expected to open the season on Triple-A Norfolk's injured list.
Vazquez was removed from Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals after being hit by a pitch on the right hand, and he received stitches and will undergo X-rays on Monday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports. Vazquez entered the contest at third base and was plunked in his lone plate appearance. The 26-year-old should report to Triple-A Norfolk to begin the season, if healthy.