Michael Cuddyer leaves game after being struck on hand with fastball

Left-fielder Michael Cuddyer left today's game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the second inning after being struck on the left hand by a David Buchanan fastball. With the Mets leading 4-1, Cuddyer became the second Met to be hit in the inning as Wilmer Flores was plunked earlier in the frame, also on the hand, by Buchanan.

Cuddyer singled home Curtis Granderson in the first inning to tie the game at 1-1 after the Mets had fallen behind in the top of the inning on a Chase Utley home run off of Matt Harvey. Cuddyer had been off to a slow start, but went 2-for-4 with a triple in his Citi Field debut yesterday and was hitting .276 with one home run and four RBI after tonight's injury-shortened performance.

X-rays were taken and the results were negative for any major damage. Only a left-hand contusion for Cuddyer and Mets' fans can breathe a sigh of relief.