Almost immediately after being penciled into Texas' starting rotation, Tommy Hunter injured himself - and it'll sideline him for up to a month and a half.
The Rangers' right hander suffered a Grade 2 groin strain on Thursday, which will certainly force Hunter to start the season on the disabled list for Texas. This, of course, opens up a rotation spot for the Rangers. C.J. Wilson has been named the Opening Day starter, and will be followed up by Colby Lewis, Derek Holland and Matt Harrison. Adam Morris over at Lone Star Ball believes Michael Kirkman is the likely candidate to replace Hunter while he's sidelined with the groin injury.
Hunter downplayed the severity of his injury, saying:
Hunter said he worked out in a SwimEx pool today and has been icing the injury. He remains hopeful that he won't be out too long. He suffered a groin strain in spring training 2009 and missed 10 weeks.
"I don't think it's as bad," Hunter said. "You don't know how bad it is until you're able to start doing things."
The Rangers will open the 2011 season next Friday against the Boston Red Sox at home in Arlington.