Yokohama BayStars infielder Shuichi Murata, who injured his left thigh in a game against the Chunichi Dragons last week, will be out of action for at least six to eight weeks, team sources said Tuesday.

Asked whether the team is prepared to play the remainder of the season without Murata in the lineup, Yokohama acting manager Tomio Tashiro said, "That appears to be the case."

Yokohama chief trainer Yasushi Egawa said Murata pulled his hamstring in the game on Friday, the same diagnosis he received for an injury to his right leg while playing in the World Baseball Classic in March.

"We are already at this point in the season, so he will have to take time to heal the injury."

There is a possibility Murata could make pinch-hit appearances once the injury fully heals.

"Until it really gets better, I am not even considering using him as a pinch hitter," said Tashiro. Up until Friday, Murata had 22 homers and 62 RBIs in 78 games.