Chris Sale exits start after being hit with line-drive

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Red Sox got their first real significant scare of spring training Saturday.

With two outs in the first inning of his final Grapefruit League outing, Red Sox starter Chris Sale took a screaming line-drive from the bat of Houston's J.D. Davis off the pitcher's left hip. Sale immediately went to the ground for a few seconds before bouncing up. He proceeded to walk around the mound in obvious pain, leading to a visit from Sox manager Alex Cora and the training staff.

(The Red Sox announced Sale left with a left hip contusion.)

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After some consultation, Sale was removed with Cora bringing in William Cuevas in relief. Sale walked off without a significant limp.

Sale faced three batters before Davis, inducing a fly out to left field from leadoff hitter George Springer, while striking out Jake Marisnick. Alex Bregman was standing at first base when Sale was hit thanks to his walk.