Torii Hunter is chewing up American League pitching this month to the tune of a .392 batting average, 16 runs, five home runs and 15 RBI. He is a streaky player, so the question is whether or not he can stay hot.

Hunter entered the month batting .232. His torrid pace has improved his average to .259, which isn’t exactly what fantasy owners are looking for, but certainly a vast improvement from his slow start.

After not hitting a home run in June, Hunter has five in each of the past two months (with six games to play in August). That gives him 18 on the year making him a virtual lock to reach 20 for the sixth straight year and 10th time in 11 years.

Hunter has 15 RBI for the month, giving him 66 on the year and double-digits in four of the five months. He has scored a season high 16 runs this month, which is the third time he reached double-figures.

Neither his run (59) or his RBI (66) total are strong totals. With just three stolen bases on the year, he’s not thriving in that category either.

Basically he has become a one-trick pony of sorts, much like Alfonso Soriano. If you’re looking for power, Hunter can help. He is not a player to build your team around anymore, but he can be useful.

Hunter hit .242 after August last year and .254 in 2009. It’s very conceivable that he’ll fade down the stretch once again. Until then, keep riding the hot hand.

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