Injury Updates: Chen’s Lat and Hunter’s Setback

Two starters are set to miss the next few weeks due to injuries; the Kansas City Royals will be without their wins leader Bruce Chen, and Tommy Hunter of the Texas Rangers has had a setback that will push back his return to the club.

The Royals placed Chen on the 15 day disabled list today with a lat strain.  The lefty has pitched well for the Royals this season with 4 of his 7 starts being quality by definition.  Chen’s pitched 7+ innings in 3 of those appearances.

Chen has endured two pretty awful starts this year, but his ERA is still sitting at 3.59.

To replace Chen in the rotation the Royals have called up Vin Mazzaro.

Mazzaro was acquired by Kansas City in the deal that sent David DeJesus to the Oakland A’s.  So far this year the righty is 1-0 with a 4.97 ERA for the Royals AAA affiliate.

The other pitcher mentioned, Tommy Hunter of the Rangers, was already on the DL due to a groin injury he sustained during spring training.

Hunter, who was getting close to returning to the club, found out Tuesday that he has yet another groin strain.

Hunter states that he felt the discomfort during the final pitch of his last rehab outing.  The current strain will keep him off of the mound for another 2 to 3 weeks.