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Wang Chien-ming put on injured list for at least six weeks

Yankees ace Wang Chien-ming (王建民) will be on crutches and wear a boot for at least six weeks after injuring his right foot running the bases, the latest blow to New York’s banged-up pitching staff.

It was not certain when Wang would be able to pitch again. An examination in New York on Monday showed he partially tore a tendon and sprained his foot on Sunday during the Yankees’ 13-0 win at Houston, Texas.

Making a rare appearance on the bases during the interleague game at a National League park, Wang pulled up rounding third and hobbled home on Derek Jeter’s single. Wang doubled over after scoring, pointed toward his right foot and was helped off the field.

“It’s a manager’s worst nightmare when a pitcher’s on a basepath,” manager Joe Girardi said after the win. “It’s unfortunate.”

Wang was well on his way to helping the Yankees finish off a three-game sweep in Houston when he was hurt. He’d pitched five strong innings, and scored during an eight-run burst in the sixth inning that put New York ahead 11-0.

After the game, Yankee pitcher Mike Mussina summed up the problem that American League pitchers sometimes have playing at National League parks.

“We don’t hit, we don’t run the bases,” he said. “You get four or five at-bats a year at most, and if you happen to get on base once or twice, you never know. We run in straight lines most of the time. Turning corners, you just don’t do that.”
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