Hurter exits series opener vs. Orioles with back soreness
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BALTIMORE -- Tigers lefty reliever Brant Hurter exited in the fifth inning of Friday night’s series opener at the Orioles with back soreness following his offering to pinch-hitter Tyler O’Neill at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Hurter appeared to suffer the injury while pushing off on his delivery, which resulted in a flyout to right field. He had entered an inning earlier with a runner aboard, working out of the fourth to keep Baltimore’s lead at 6-4.
Conditions in Baltimore were slick throughout the evening, and an early game drizzle had intensified slightly by the time Hurter took the mound for the fifth.
Hurter has been one of Detroit’s more reliable relievers, pitching to a 2.84 ERA in 21 outings in his third MLB season.
The Tigers’ pitching staff has been besieged by injuries. Hurter could become the 10th pitcher added to the team’s injured list after right-hander Burch Smith became the ninth with right shoulder inflammation before Friday’s game.