Huff exits with quad strain after first career hit

DENVER -- Lefty reliever David Huff's untimely exit during Monday's 8-2 loss to the Rockies at Coors Field meant the Giants were forced to use three pitchers in the first three innings of their series opener.

"It didn't look good," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said of Huff's injury. "He's going to get an MRI on his left quad. He did a pretty good job on it. I think the answer is better tomorrow, but more than likely, he's probably heading to the DL."

Huff exited with a quad strain after running out a single on a grounder to Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the top of the third. It was Huff's first career hit, and he stayed in the game long enough to score his first run.

"It was kind of a bad way to get your first hit," Huff said. "I would have much rather had us win than get my first hit."

Huff has never had left leg muscle issues before, though he did have a right hamstring strain a couple of years ago and said this injury feels similar.

"I felt it a few steps before the bag," Huff said. "It just kind of felt like it tightened up. Nothing really popped."

Huff did not return for the bottom of the third, with Yusmeiro Petit replacing him on the mound.

"It gradually just tightened up some more as I went around the bases," Huff said. "I got in and went into the dugout and tried to put some weight on it to simulate pushing off the rubber. It just didn't feel right."

Huff entered in the bottom of the second to relieve starter Ryan Vogelsong, who left after 1 1/3 innings, having allowed five runs on six hits and three walks. Huff came in with runners on first and second and induced an inning-ending double-play grounder from Justin Morneau, the first batter he faced.

Huff is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in eight appearances totaling seven innings this season.

"Injuries happen," Huff said. "The healing process starts now. We'll get ready, and whichever route we have to go, we'll get back as soon as we can."