News
Hunter hopes to join club this weekend
Angels center fielder to begin rehab stint on Tuesday
By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com
08/10/09 9:10 PM ET
ANAHEIM -- Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Monday that injured center fielder Torii Hunter will start his rehab assignment on Tuesday with Class A Rancho Cucamonga, in hopes of rejoining the Angels during their four-game series in Baltimore this weekend.Hunter, who was placed on the disabled list on July 10 because of a strained adductor muscle on his right side, worked out at Angel Stadium before the Halos hosted the Rays.
"Torii had a great workout today -- running, playing defense and hitting," Scioscia said. "If he comes out OK, we anticipate him making a rehab start tomorrow."
Hunter hasn't seen live pitching in a game since July 7, but Scioscia said he's not concerned about how Hunter does at the plate against California League pitching.
"I don't think we're worried about where he is at the plate," Scioscia said. "I think he has to adjust to Major League pitching. This is just to make sure all the parts are working and that he's healthy."
Scioscia explained that there's too much of a difference between Class A competition and the Majors to get a feel for where a hitter is during a rehab appearance.
"You can go down there and have great timing for 12 at-bats in the Minors, but when you come up here, your timing could be off," Scioscia said. "You're seeing Major League pitching, and there's a difference."
Hunter, who was named to the 2009 American League All-Star team, was batting .305 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs in 77 games before his injury.
Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
