Cecil exits in eighth with left groin tightness
Blue Jays reliever forced to leave game in middle of at-bat against Orioles' Davis
BALTIMORE -- Brett Cecil delivered what appeared to be a standard 1-1 pitch to Baltimore's Chris Davis and came off the mound limping during the eighth inning on Friday.
A pitch earlier, the Blue Jays relief pitcher felt a little tug in the groin, but this second throw was worse.
Davis fouled the pitch off during the Blue Jays' 4-0 win against the Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards to run the count to 1-2, but Cecil didn't get a chance to finish off the slugger. The lefty left the game with left groin tightness.
Cecil said he hopes to avoid a stint on the disabled list and will be re-evaluated Saturday.
Cecil experienced a similar groin injury while playing in Double-A in 2011. He said it felt worse then, and required time on the DL.
"This one was bad, but not as bad, not as painful," Cecil said. "I'm just going to sleep on it and see how it is tomorrow."
Dustin McGowan came in to replace Cecil and finish off the strikeout to Davis. McGowan is credited with the strikeout. The pitcher closed the game out for the first save of his career.
Cecil entered Friday's game with a 3.55 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings this season. He was an All-Star in 2013.