Red Sox prospect Bryce Brentz might need to take some additional gun safety courses. After his absence from spring training was noted by Full Count’s Alex Speier, Brentz explained his disappearance by saying he sustained an injury from a self-inflicted gun accident.

According to Brentz, the accidental discharge happened when he was cleaning a gun in January.

“Everything is fine,” Brentz told Full Count. “After the rookie program, I had an accident. Everything is fine, but I was cleaning my gun and it accidentally discharged on me and I sustained an injury. Nothing serious. That’s why I was out of big league camp, because at the time I’m not able to participate fully, but I am recovering very fast and should be OK for the season.

“That’s all I can really comment on — everything is fine. I’m just recovering and that’s why I’m not able to participate in big league spring training.”

The 24-year-old Brentz is currently in Fort Myers, Fla., for spring training, though he is unable to play due to his condition. If he recovers from his accidental gun injuries in time, the Red Sox expect Brentz to make a big contribution to the team due to his strong hitting.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington explained in more detail how the gun accident occurred, while assuring it should have no significant effect on Brentz's career.

“He was cleaning a gun and it accidentally went off," Cherington told Full Count. “The bullet went into his leg and out the other side. I guess you could say he got lucky relative to what happened. I think he understands he got lucky and it’s a serious thing and he has to be careful. He’s here in Fort Myers and he’s recovering and it’s not going to get in the way of his future, but he won’t be in big league camp.”

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