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Orioles' Chris Davis To Start Season On 60-Day Injured List

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Baltimore Orioles announced Friday infielder Chris Davis will begin the season on the 60-Day Injured List due to a lower back strain.

The Davis story the last few years is one of a decline. He's the highest-paid player in Orioles history but has struggled along the way since signing his 7-year, $161 million deal.

This year, Davis is vowing to change the story into something positive.

Davis said he's made significant changes to his batting approach in Spring Training.

His decline over the last four seasons has taken a toll on both physical and mental.

Baltimore Orioles v Washington Nationals
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 08: Chris Davis #19 of the Baltimore Orioles walks to the dugout after striking out in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 8, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Davis said it's taken years for him to realize he should be having fun playing baseball.

The enjoyment faded as his strikeouts and failures piled up, however.

"I felt like I was letting our fans down," Davis said. "That was a big deal to me and it took a lot out of me. But I think, honestly, the pandemic has really helped me realize how much our fanbase has supported me and how much I missed playing in front of our fans and really what it's all about."

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he'll give Davis all the opportunities he can to prove himself in Spring Training games. He still has two seasons remaining on his contract.

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