Jerad Eickhoff Suffers a Small Fracture in his Right Thumb

Phillies pitcher Jerad Eickhoff suffered a small fracture in his right thumb during a bunting drill today at Phillies spring training. Eickoff is slated to open the season in the Phillies' rotation after holding a 2.65 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 51 innings last year.

"I guess it was last Thursday when we were bunting," Eickhoff said today.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin pretty much guaranteed about a month ago that Eickhoff, along with Aaron Nola would have a spot in the Phillies rotation.

"I would think they’d be in the rotation somewhere," Mackanin said back in January.

Eickhoff was acquired from the Rangers in the Cole Hamels deal and dominated the Marlins in his MLB debut, scattering five hits over six shutout innings.

(Listen to ESPN.com Sr. Baseball writer Jayson Stark)