Toronto's Halladay hit by line drive, leaves game

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Toronto Blue Jays All-Star pitcher Roy Halladay left Friday night's game against the Texas Rangers in the third inning when he was struck in the left shin by a line drive hit by Kevin Mench.

Halladay was taken to Medical Center of Arlington for precautionary X-rays on a left leg bruise. Halladay underwent tests after Texas' 7-6 victory and club spokesman Ryan Mittleman said the pitcher's status will not be known until Saturday.

"We don't want to rush him back," manager John Gibbons said. "We want to make sure he's good and ready. We'll see what the reports say, and we'll go from there."

Halladay, 12-4 with a league-leading 2.41 ERA, picked up the ball and threw out Mench at first base from a seated position, then rolled to his side grimacing in pain.

Teammates, Gibbons and trainer George Poulis rushed to Halladay, who was on the ground for about two minutes. Halladay stood up and walked slowly to the dugout. The Blue Jays had a 6-3 lead.

"It sounded pretty bad," catcher Gregg Zaun said. "When he walked off the field, I was relieved. But we'll find out what the news is."

Zaun said there was no chance Halladay could continue.

"He knew," Zaun said. "No argument there."