Cleveland ? Kansas City Royals left-hander John Bale, already on the disabled list due to a tight shoulder, broke his pitching hand punching a door at the team’s hotel Friday night.

A club spokesman said Bale informed team officials he had pain in his hand after arriving at Progressive Field for Saturday night’s game against Cleveland. X-rays were taken during the game, revealing the fracture on the side of his hand.

Bale returned to Kansas City Sunday morning. He will be examined by team doctors, possibly as early as today.

Ironically, Bale was making progress with his shoulder problem and it was hoped he would come off the DL in the next few days. He threw a simulated game Friday and was due to throw live batting practice early in the week. Following Friday’s throwing session, manager Trey Hillman was optimistic Bale was close to being activated.

The 33-year-old Bale began the season in the rotation. He was 0-3 with a 7.63 earned-run average, allowing 13 earned runs and 25 hits in 151â3 innings. The Royals planned to move Bale to the bullpen when he returned.