UH loses starter to injury in practice

Hawaii junior Alex Fitchett is expected to miss at least the next three weeks with a dislocated shoulder suffered during practice Monday evening.

Fitchett, a transfer from Cosumnes River College in California, injured his right non-throwing shoulder diving for a ball in the outfield.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound outfielder was projected to start in right field and bat cleanup for the Rainbow Warriors in Saturday’s season opener against Hawaii-Hilo.

He was at practice on Tuesday with his shoulder in a sling.

“It happens. I’ll be back,” Fitchett said. “At least it’s now and not in April when conference starts.”

Fitchett homered in Saturday’s alumni game and also stole two bases and threw out a runner at third from right field.

As a sophomore at Cosumnes River, Fitchett hit .354 with three homers, eight doubles, four triples and 37 RBIs.

Fifth-year senior Alan Baldwin will likely start in his place, with senior Matt LoCoco in center and junior Marcus Doi in left.

“You can’t expect to go an entire season without someone getting hurt,” said Baldwin, who started 51 of 53 games last season and hit .254 with six doubles, two triples and a home run. “It’s foolish to think that nobody will get hurt, but you also have to know that when something like that happens, the next guy has to be ready, and we’ll be ready.”

Hawaii’s outfielder depth is already tested with sophomore Conner Linebarger recovering from a broken foot.

Freshman Kobi Candaroma and relief pitcher Casey Ryan are also available for outfield duty.

UH opens on the road for the first time since 1994 when it plays the first of two games against the Vulcans on Saturday night at Wong Stadium.