DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter left a game against the Kansas City Royals after having a cramp in his right hamstring.

Hunter hit a single Monday night in the fourth inning, grabbed behind his right leg when he got to first base and left the game. He was grimacing in pain as he ran toward first base and was angry that he was ailing enough that he had to leave the field.

“It’s not a strain, it was just a cramp,” Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said after an 11-8 loss.

The 38-year-old Hunter has played in 60 of 66 games this season, hitting .266 with nine homers and 35 RBIs for the AL Central-leading Tigers.

Ausmus said athletic trainer Kevin Rand was encouraged that Hunter would be back in the lineup soon.

“We’ll see how he is (Tuesday), but Kevin was more optimistic than pessimistic,” Ausmus said. “We certainly don’t think it will be a long-term thing.”

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