NEW YORK -- Mets pitcher Jonathon Niese limped out of Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after getting hit on his lower right leg by a hard grounder.
The team said X-rays were negative and Niese was day to day with a bruise.
Niese was struck by Mark Ellis' shot in the third inning. He hopped toward home plate looking for the ball as Ellis reached on an infield single.
Niese then sat down in the dirt along the first base line. He grimaced as manager Terry Collins and a trainer looked at him.
The New York left-hander was helped to his feet after a minute or so and exited, hopping down the steps leading toward the clubhouse.
Niese began the day with a 2-1 record in four starts. He gave up one run on three hits and three walks in 2 1-3 innings.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press
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