More injury problems for Angels

Third baseman Chone Figgins will return to Southern California on Thursday morning for X-rays and an MRI test on his right elbow, which was hit by a Carl Pavano pitch on Sept. 8.

And Torii Hunter was scratched from Wednesday night's lineup after the center fielder, while taking soft toss in the batting cage, was hit in the right cheek by a ball that caromed off a screen.

Hunter iced his swollen cheek while the Angels took batting practice and was unavailable for comment. Manager Mike Scioscia said it was possible Hunter might undergo precautionary X-rays.

While Hunter's injury does not appear to be serious, Figgins' elbow could be a cause for concern. The leadoff batter returned to the field Tuesday night after sitting out three games, pinch-running in a fourth game and playing designated hitter in two games.

He did not make any throws from third base, but the soreness in the elbow returned Wednesday, and Figgins was not in the lineup.

"The soreness is not going away with ice -- that's my concern," said Figgins, who will be examined by Lewis Yocum, team physician. "I'm just going to get it checked out."

The Angels are already without second baseman Howie Kendrick, who has been sidelined since Aug. 28 because of a left hamstring strain, and outfielders Vladimir Guerrero and Juan Rivera.

Guerrero has sat out three games because of an irritation in his right knee, and he was not in the lineup Wednesday night. Rivera has sat out two games because of tightness in his right hip flexor and was not in Wednesday night's lineup.

Scioscia said both Guerrero and Rivera could return for Friday's game at Texas.

mike.digiovanna@latimes.com