FORT MYERS, Fla. (CBS) – Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington told reporters Saturday that prospect Bryce Brentz accidentally shot himself a few weeks ago while cleaning his gun.

Brentz, a 24-year-old outfielder, was expected in Major League camp with the Sox.  However, he isn’t going to do that because he hasn’t completely healed from the accident yet.

Read: Dan Roche’s 2013 Red Sox Preview

“He was at home cleaning a gun, and it accidentally went off, said Cherington. “He was injured in the process. Fortunately for him, it’s something he’s going to recover from and be fine.”

“I guess you could say he got lucky, relative to what happened,” the general manager said.

“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.”

Cherington said the Red Sox don’t have a gun policy and added that Brentz could get into games by the end of camp.

The former first round pick hit .290 with 17 home runs, 76 RBI with a .340 OBP and a .465 slugging percentage with Double A Portland and Triple A Pawtucket last season.

Brentz was not among the 19 non-roster players invited to big league camp by Cherington.

Those invited include Ryan Sweeney, Jackie Bradley, Jr, and Devin Marrero.