Hunter Has a Broken Left Ankle

Four-time Gold Glove center fielder Torii Hunter of the Minnesota Twins has a broken left ankle that will keep him out at least a month and possibly the rest of the season.

Hunter had an MRI exam and a CT scan Monday, which revealed a small fracture in his ankle. He was injured Friday when he tried to make a catch by scaling the right-center-field fence at Boston.

“It’s like he has a dent in his ankle,” Manager Ron Gardenhire said. “Not blowing anything out is pretty amazing, to tell you the truth.”

Hunter will be on crutches for three to four weeks.

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The Twins released second baseman Bret Boone, whom they had acquired July 11 in a trade with Seattle.

In 14 games with the Twins, Boone batted .170 with three runs batted in.

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Seattle released Aaron Sele, who was 6-12 with a 5.66 earned-run average in 21 starts.

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Hideo Nomo failed to make it out of the third inning in his first start for Columbus, the New York Yankees’ triple-A affiliate. Nomo, who was acquired last week by the Yankees, gave up three hits, walked four and struck out four against Norfolk. His fastball topped out at 88 mph.

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Milwaukee exercised the club option for Manager Ned Yost for 2006.