Anthony Kay/Photo by Ed Delany, MMN

St. Lucie starter Anthony Kay departed his start in the fourth inning after Tampa catcher Jason Lopez hit a liner off of Kay’s left shin.

According to Michael Mayer of MMN, Kay was lifted for precautionary reasons.

Despite leaving early in the game, Kay would be tagged with the loss after he allowed five earned in 3.1 innings.

It will be interesting to see how the Mets handle Kay after this game. Even if he does not suffer any long term effects from the liner, he has already thrown 118.1 innings this season.

With this being Kay’s first ever professional season and his first year after having Tommy John surgery in 2016, it would seem Kay is nearing his perceived innings limits.