SAN DIEGO -- Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison exited Sunday's 7-1 victory over the Padres at Petco Park in the third inning due to lower left leg discomfort.
With two outs and nobody on, Harrison hit a ground ball to Padres shortstop Dusty Coleman and hustled down the line. Coleman's throw came in high, forcing first baseman Jose Pirela to leave his feet. Harrison said he thought about sliding into the bag, only to realize it wasn't necessary, so he ducked and took an awkward step to avoid Pirela and reach safely.
Harrison immediately came up limping, though he said after he couldn't pinpoint the specific location of the soreness in his lower left leg. After testing his leg under the watch of head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk and manager Clint Hurdle, Harrison initially remained in the game. San Diego starter Clayton Richard quickly tested Harrison with a pickoff attempt at first base.
As Harrison's adrenaline wore off, he realized he wouldn't be able to run at full speed. During Andrew McCutchen's plate appearance, Harrison left in favor of pinch-runner Max Moroff, who remained in the game at second base.
"I should be fine," Harrison said. "Day to day. We'll see."
The Pirates are already without one of their core players due to an injury, as right fielder Gregory Polanco has been sidelined by a strained left hamstring since July 22. The Pirates have an off-day Monday, giving Harrison an extra day to recover.
"I didn't think [it's] anything too serious, but definitely something that gave me a little discomfort," he said. "Better to be safe than sorry."