Hiroki Kuroda injury: Yankees SP hoping to make next start

UPDATE - Andy McCullough of The Star-Ledger reports that Kuroda made it through his bullpen session and will make his next start, "so long as he recovers OK tomorrow."

ORIGINAL - New York Yankees right-hander Hiroki Kuroda exited his regular season debut early after being hit on the hand by a line drive up the middle. While the starting pitcher acknowledged that he still doesn't feel "normal" following the injury, he is hopeful that he'll be able to make his next scheduled start, according to Matt Ehalt of ESPN New York.

Kuroda's middle finger on his throwing hand was hit by a line drive of the bat of Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino during the second inning of Wednesday's contest against the Boston Red Sox. He exited the game, but X-rays ultimately came back negative. Still, the veteran told reporters that he continues to experience a "little discomfort" in the injured hand.

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After icing and taping his finger to help alleviate the pain, Kuroda is scheduled to throw a bullpen session today. If all goes well, he could still be in line to make his next start, which is scheduled for Monday against the Cleveland Indians.

Kuroda is a pivotal part of the Yankees' rotation, and the team can't afford to add too many more players to their already-long disabled list. Beyond Kuroda, New York is also without right-hander Phil Hughes, first baseman Mark Teixeira, third baseman Alex Rodriguez, shortstop Derek Jeter and outfielder Curtis Granderson.

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