McCarthy exits start due to elbow tightness

SAN DIEGO -- Dodgers right-hander Brandon McCarthy left Saturday night's 11-8 win over the Padres in the sixth inning after experiencing elbow tightness.

McCarthy had just allowed the third Padres home run of the night, and second by Justin Upton, a three-run shot to trim the Dodgers' lead to 10-6. After releasing the pitch, McCarthy winced and motioned to the dugout.

Out came manager Don Mattingly and assistant trainer Yosuke Nakajima, the latter speaking briefly with McCarthy before Mattingly motioned to the bullpen for reliever Sergio Santos, who was given unlimited time to warm up.

The final pitch McCarthy threw was a 91-mph cutter. The often-injured McCarthy was signed during the offseason to a four-year, $48 million contract to replace fourth starter Dan Haren, who was traded to Miami, along with Dee Gordon and $10 million.

McCarthy leads the Major Leagues with nine home runs allowed and has a 5.87 ERA.