Mussina leaves start with brused thumb

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- New York Yankees starter Mike Mussina left Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with a bruised thumb after he was hit by Carl Crawford's liner in the fifth inning.

The ball went off Mussina and wound up on the infield dirt where it was fielded by shortstop Derek Jeter, who didn't make throw on Crawford's two-out infield single. The Yankees said Mussina has a mild bruise at the base of his left thumb

Yankees manager Joe Torre went to the mound after Crawford's hit and immediately removed Mussina from the game. Mussina is lined up to possibly pitch the third game of the Yankees' upcoming divisional series.

Mussina gave up six runs -- all in the fourth -- and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.