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Phillies outfielder Michael Saunders leaves game after being hit in hand

TAMPA, Fla. - Phillies outfielder Michael Saunders was removed from Friday afternoon's game against the New York Yankees after being hit by a pitch in the right hand.

The Phillies said his removal was a precaution and his injury was just a bruise. Saunders was hit in the hand by a fastball from C.C. Sabathia in the fifth inning. He reached first base and was then pulled for a pinch runner. Saunders did not appear overly concerned as he returned to the dugout, met with the team's trainers, and went to the clubhouse.

The Phillies survived a similar scare earlier this spring when first baseman Tommy Joseph was plunked by a fastball in the hand. Joseph missed a few games before returning. The injury was just a bruise.

The Phillies signed Saunders in January, giving him a one-year contract to play right field. He entered Friday with nine hits in his first 45 spring at-bats. Saunders, 30, spent most of the 2015 season on the disabled list with a knee injury and was on the disabled list in 2013 with a shoulder injury.