Longoria hit by pitch in Japan, leaves game

Another game in Japan, another injury for the Rays. Last weekend reliever Jeff Beliveau strained his Lat while pitching - which was a disappointment given his high leverage use for the MLB All-Stars.

Now we're getting reports that Evan Longoria was hit by a pitch, and left the game in the following inning. Full reports on the injury are still to be released, but the prognosis appears to be a bruise on the left forearm.

Longoria was likewise on a hot streak in Japan, knocking multiple homeruns in some cavernous parks, including a grand slam that led to Beliveau's save.

He also made headlines earlier this week when his fiance Jaime went into labor with their second child a few weeks early, and Longoria attended the birth of his son Nash from the locker room via FaceTime.

Longo's not the first All-Star caliber player to be injured in this exhibition against a combination of teams in Japan. When the US team was no-hit on Saturday, Robinson Cano took a pitch to the pinky toe and suffered a broken bone.

The only Ray remaining to be injured in service to the exhibition is Ben Zobrist, so he should probably fly home right now. And not lift anything too heavy. And possibly wear bubblewrap.

Longoria's removal from the game was after a full defensive frame played at third following his plunking, and the move was considered precautionary. With only one game remaining for the US on this trip, Longo is not expected to take the field again.