Rays RHP Hellickson exits after being hit by liner

(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson left his start against Detroit after being hit in the lower right leg by Prince Fielder's liner.

The injury occurred in the third inning of Saturday night's game. The Rays announced that Hellickson has a bruised shin and that X-rays were negative.

Hellickson, who had missed his previous two starts because of right shoulder inflammation, was pulled following a couple warmup tosses after being checked by a team trainer.

J.P. Howell replaced Hellickson.

Updated June 30, 2012