Rangers Pitcher Ryan Hurts Thumb

Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan has a new ailment to contend with--a sore right thumb caused by a taxicab door in Seattle.

Ryan, already suffering from a stress fracture in his back, sustained the injury on his way to a Sunday morning weightlifting session with pitching Coach Tom House before the Rangers’ game with the Mariners.

A taxicab driver, apparently irked about a short-distance fare, vigorously pushed the door open just as Ryan reached for it, according to The Dallas Morning News.

“I thought for a minute (the thumb) was broken,” Ryan said.

Ryan has a discolored thumbnail, but he was able to lift weights and also threw briefly. Team officials expect him to start as scheduled on Friday.

Ryan has pitched three times since returning from the disabled list.