Nady fractures left hand

By Anthony Fenech / MLB.com | 08/12/11

PHOENIX -- D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said that Xavier Nady was playing the best baseball he had all year, that his bat was getting quick and that he was beginning to swing a power stick.

But after getting hit and fracturing his left hand in the second inning of Friday's 4-3 win over the Mets, it appears the D-backs are going to be without Nady for an extended period of time.

"It's a big blow to us," Gibson said. "He was playing great. ... He had a great role on the team with his veteran [leadership]."

The 32-year-old veteran was hit by right-hander Dillon Gee on a 1-2 pitch, but stayed in the game and scored on a Cody Ransom double two batters later. He was lifted for Paul Goldschmidt in the top of the third.

"He got drilled, broke his hand at the end of his knuckle or finger," Gibson said. "When I looked at it, it was black.

"I haven't heard how long [he'll be out]."

Nady was hitting .248 in 81 games, with four home runs and 35 RBIs. He is a career .275 hitter over 10 seasons with five teams.