Then in an April 19 game against the Pirates, that chance was ripped away. Spangenberg dragged a bunt toward first base and felt a pop in his left quadriceps while running down the line. He later discovered it was torn -- and then he tore the muscle again while attempting a return. Spangenberg didn't play another game.
"It was obviously the most frustrating year of my playing career," Spangenberg said. "It was the first year where I won the starting job. So getting hurt so early and not being able to come back -- it definitely became a long and frustrating year.