Tommy Hunter Groin Injury Could Keep Rangers Pitcher Out Six Weeks

Last Thursday, the Texas Rangers officially set their starting rotation and sent stud closer Neftali Feliz back to the bullpen. So what was the last thing the Rangers needed? For a starting pitcher to get injured. But that's exactly what happened, as Tommy Hunter left his Thursday start with a groin strain and, according to Jeff Wilson, that groin strain could keep Hunter out of action for six weeks.

So it's a pretty serious groin strain. Hunter's going back to Texas for a platelet-rich plasma injection intended to accelerate the recovery. Hunter has previously missed ten weeks with a groin strain but says this one isn't as bad. Still, he's going to start the season on the disabled list for the third straight year and may not return until May.

For as long as Hunter's out, the Rangers are expected to give his starts to either Dave Bush or Michael Kirkman. Hunter has a career 4.45 ERA over 251 innings, and when he's able to come back the Rangers will look for him to eat innings from the middle of the rotation.

For more on Hunter and the Rangers, check out Lone Star Ball.