SAN FRANCISCO -- Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli exited Saturday's 4-0 victory against the Giants in the fourth inning after being struck in the facemask by a foul tip earlier in the game.
Cervelli was removed from the game as a precaution, according to the Pirates. Manager Clint Hurdle said Cervelli wanted to stay in the game, but the Bucs took him out. He will be evaluated and examined by the club's medical staff.
Batting with one out and nobody on base in the first inning, Buster Posey tipped a pitch from starter Trevor Williams directly into Cervelli's mask. Cervelli remained in the game, walked in his first plate appearance and struck out in the fourth inning. He did not return to play defense in the fourth, however, as catcher Elias Diaz took his place behind the plate.
Cervelli has been on the disabled list twice this season due to a concussion or post-concussive symptoms. He also missed time last year and in 2011 after sustaining a concussion.