Los Angeles Angels’ Torii Hunter's X-rays and CT scan come out clean – MLB News
Torii Hunter’s left hand X-rays and CT scan were clean on Saturday after he was hit by Hiroki Kuroda on Friday night. Despite the result’s being negative, the Los Angeles Angels hitter’s return now hangs in balance as his team will play the finale against
the Dodgers on Sunday.
The soreness and swelling had forced the hitter to leave the game once he was hit on the left hand. This will result in his inability to play against one of baseball’s best pitcher, Clayton Kershaw.
"I thought it was broke," said Hunter. "I had no feeling in my hand. I wanted to run the bases, play defense and see what happens. But when I got back from playing defense [in the top of the second] it wasn't right."
"It's always something," Hunter said. "I had a sore rib, and now this. I guess it's part of baseball."
Hunter comes across as a potentially menacing part of the Angels owing to his ability to go for big hits when he gets the opportunity. Having kept an average of .239 this season in his 301 at-bat, Hunter has 72 hits in his name with 32 runs, scoring 39 RBIs
and 13 doubles.
In his 11 year baseball career, Hunter has risen to prominence owing to taking away numerous home-runs by climbing the fence in the outfield.
If that alone does not substantiate his deftness, there has been another credential that sets him apart from the contemporary players. As an outfielder, Hunter has won the Gold Glove Award nine consecutive times.
Torii Hunter who started his career in 1997 with the Minnesota Twins became one of the prominent players of the Angels in August 2007 with his a three-year $45-million deal. It was in 2009 when he set a record by hitting three home-runs in one game against
the San Diego Padres.
Also, he was ranked Number 44 on the list of the 50 greatest current players in the same year. Given the awe-inspiring credentials of the Angels star his temporary absence from the team at this crucial moment figures as something worrying.
However, there are expectations, as the Angels Mike Scioscia commented, that Hunter would soon be available for pinch-running duties. This provides a breather to the Angels which currently stand at 11th in the Major League Baseball rankings.
Hunter’s role in the Angels’ team is undeniable, as his presence inspires the other players to perform at a higher level.
Torii's return shall enable him to play against the Detroit Tigers and provide a much-needed boost. It will be interesting to see how he handles the match-up after having been hit on the hand.
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