Angels spring update: Hunter back in lineup today

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The swelling in Torii Hunter‘s right eye dissipated enough over night that the Angels center fielder, who was knocked out of Wednesday’s game by a ball that hit him in the face, was in the lineup for today’s exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians.

And that sinus infection Hunter had earlier in the week? Not such a problem anymore.

‘It’s crazy, man,’ Hunter said. ‘I went to the doctor for a sinus infection, and then I get hit in the nose by a ball. The doctor said, ‘Well, one thing I can tell you is your sinus infection cleared up.’ ‘

Hunter was injured in the first inning Wednesday, when Jeff Baker‘s long drive caromed off the wall and hit him on the right side of his nose, pushing his sunglasses into his face. Looking at the lump on Hunter’s face Wednesday, Manager Mike Scioscia thought for sure that Hunter broke his nose, and Hunter thought the injury was serious, too.

‘I couldn’t see anything because my eye was so puffed up,’ Hunter said.

But X-rays were negative, and Hunter iced his face all night. He was back in the lineup today, as were most of the Angels regulars in a game that will feature Angels right-hander Nick Adenhart and Cleveland left-hander Scott Lewis, who was named the Indians’ No. 4 starter this week.

Closer Brian Fuentes, who has struggled because of back stiffness this spring, is also scheduled to pitch for the Angels. It probably won’t be a great day for pitchers. A stiff bleeze is blowing straight out in Goodyear, so balls should be jumping out of the new park.

The Angels lineup:

3B Chone Figgins
2B Howie Kendrick
LF Bobby Abreu
DH Vladimir Guerrero
CF Torii Hunter
1B Kendry Morales
RF Gary Matthews Jr.
C Jeff Mathis
SS Maicer Izturis

--Mike DiGiovanna