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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, May 7, 2010

Rainbows take time off to rehab injuries


BY Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i's bye week in Western Athletic Conference play is welcomed by at least two Rainbows.

Outfielder Christian Johnson and pitcher Nate Klein continue rehabilitating injuries with hopes they will be available by the end of the season, UH coach Mike Trapasso said.

Johnson dislocated his right shoulder and tore his labrum diving for a foul fly April 17 at Sacramento State.

The right-handed Klein strained muscles in his elbow in his last start against Nevada in which he went one perfect inning.

The hope is that Johnson will be able to at least swing the bat.

"He was our hottest guy," Trapasso said. "It's (the injury) had a big impact in our lineup."

Johnson was hitting .333 with five home runs when he got injured. He had hit two homers the game before the injury.

Less seriously injured is outfielder Chase Koissian, who has a pulled hamstring, Trapasso said.

Meanwhile, the Rainbows are preparing for final exams that start next week.

Their final homestand of the season will be against first-place New Mexico State starting May 13. After a doubleheader on May 14, there is an off day for UH's graduation. While the Rainbows have played on graduation day in previous seasons, the school adminstration did not want other events going on during commencement. They conclude the series May 16.

In recruiting news, Konawaena senior pitcher Dorian Rivera confirmed he has signed with Arizona Western JC after verbally committing to UH.

"It was better for me financially," said Rivera, on O'ahu with his team for the Division II state tournament. "I wanted to help my family."