Bad News for Hanshin, Narita Injured
The <Hanshin Tigers:team#288> were dealt a severe blow when <Rikyu Narita:player#14461> was hurt throwing a pitch recently in a game against the <Chunichi Dragons:team#287>. After the game, the team trainer reported <Narita:player#14461> might have to spend a lengthy time on the disabled list. Today doctors confirmed it, ruling the 26-year-old starting pitcher out for the rest of the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. They indicated it would take <Narita:player#14461> at least 11 months to heal.

<Narita:player#14461> has fashioned a 5-5 mark for the season, 5.19 ERA and thrown 86.2 innings in 16 starts. Opposing clubs are batting .324 against him. 