Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Hunter Dobbins exited Friday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the second inning due to what the team called right knee pain.
Dobbins covered first on Tampa Bay center fielder Chandler Simpson’s groundout to first baseman Abraham Toro for the second out of the inning, but came up limping after hitting the bag. Following a warm-up pitch, Red Sox manager Alex Cora called upon Jorge Alcala out of the bullpen.
The 25-year-old Dobbins had just been reinstated from the 15-day injured list prior to the game, having missed 18 games due to a right elbow strain. He made only one rehab start for Double-A Portland prior to his return.
Dobbins was 4-1 with a 4.10 ERA entering Friday, 12 games and 10 starts into his rookie season.