Hunter has stress fracture of foot

An MRI today revealed a stress fracture of the fourth metatarsal of Torii Hunters left foot.

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: July 16, 2006 - 3:09 PM

Twins center fielder Torii Hunter has a stress fracture of the fourth metatarsal bone in his left foot and has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, the latest blow to a team battling several injuries.

The injury was diagnosed today after an MRI was taken of his foot.

Hunter has been playing with some pain all season after breaking his left ankle last July in Boston, pain that was considered to be part of the recovery process.

But Hunter aggravated the foot a few weeks ago, and has been in more pain that usual the last few days. He took himself out of Saturday's game against Cleveland because of significant pain. He's batting .263 with 14 homers and 49 RBI.

The Twins have purchased the contract of outfielder Josh Rabe from Class AAA Rochester to replace Hunter on the roster.

Outfielder Shannon Stewart also had an MRI today for his left foot, revealing an aggravation of the torn plantar fascia he had earlier in the season.

Stewart was placed on the disabled list on Saturday and was replaced by Rondell White on the roster. White, who was on a rehab assignment at Class AAA Rochester, is the designated hitter today as the Twins face Cleveland. It's the second DL stint of the season for Stewart, who is batting .293 with 2 homers and 21 RBI.