Tommy Hunter left the Orioles’ 6-4 win against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh because of a strained right groin.

That might be a big concern if it happened a month ago, because Hunter has dealt with groin injuries in the past. He had to be shut down in the spring because of one, didn’t make the Texas Rangers out of camp and didn’t return to the big leagues until July.

Now, though, all it means is that Hunter’s start Monday, which would be his last of the season, could be in jeopardy.

The big right-hander wants to pitch, of course.

“It got pretty tight. It was one of those things, been lingering around all year,” Hunter said of the groin strain. “It got really tight, and it was just one of those things. I needed to come out. That’s when you get hurt. So, it’s one of those things, get some ice, get some treatment and hopefully be ready to go in five days.”

Hunter, by the way, pitched in each level of the postseason for the Rangers last year. And he said he is genuinely excited about his new team, assuming what he has seen the past few weeks – a 10-5 record mainly against contenders – continues.

“We are pretty good. That’s the bottom line. This is a baseball team. These guys come to play every day. … It’s going to be fun, especially if we keep going this way. It’s going to be fun next year.”