Tampabay.com
MARCH 21, 2009

Upton apparently okay after being hit by pitch

UPDATE, 5:15: The Rays now say Upton has a bone bruise and is day to day after he was examined by a doctor.

UPDATE, 3:22: The Rays say X-rays were negative and the injury doesn't appear to be serious.

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CF B.J. Upton was headed for X-rays Saturday after being hit on the left hand by a pitch in a minor-league game in Port Charlotte

Upton told Dennis Maffezzoli of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune the pitch struck the bottom of his pinkie and he expected to be okay: "It should be all right. No problem.'' When hit by a pitcher from Boston's Triple-A team, Upton immediately let out a yell, dropped his bat and then threw his helmet to the ground as he headed to the Rays dugout.

Upton came out of the trainer's room after being attended to by Ron Porterfield and said, "You've got to be kidding.''

Upton has been feeling good enough in recovery from left shoulder surgery that he hoped to play in his first major-league exhibition by the middle of next week, so even with no serious injury this incident may delay that timetable, and make it even less likely he will be on the opening day roster.

Saturday was his third minor-league exhibition, and the first time he batted and played the field in the same game. He struck out swinging in his first at-bat. 

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