NEW YORK — Robinson Cano gave the New York Yankees yet another injury scare.
The sweet-swinging second baseman hobbled off the field soon after being hit on the right leg by a pitch from Mets ace Matt Harvey in the first inning of the All-Star game Tuesday night.
X-rays were negative, and Cano said it was a bruised quadriceps.
“It’s a little tight, I came out of the game because I didn’t want to aggravate it,” he said. “Nothing bad. They told me it’s a bruise, and ice the next few days.”
His leg wrapped near the knee, Cano said Yankees trainer Steve Donahue was called immediately.
When asked if he’ll play Friday in the opener of a series at Boston, Cano said, “Yeah, hopefully, yeah.”
The five-time All-Star was hit by a 96 mph fastball from Harvey. NL catcher Yadier Molina wrapped his arm around Cano, just in case. Always cool, Cano blew a bubble as he was checked out by the trainers. He then went to first base but, following a strikeout by Miguel Cabrera, Cano limped slowly across the infield in his shiny shoes and heard from Harvey.
“He said ‘My bad,’” Cano said. “I said, ‘No problem.’ He didn’t want to hit anybody.”
Harvey told FOX after he finished two innings: “I tried to go in. That sometimes happens. My apologies definitely go out to him.”
Even in an exhibition, injuries are a risk. Most famously, catcher Ray Fosse’s career was interrupted when he was bowled over in a play at the plate by Pete Rose.
Boston’s Dustin Pedroia ran for Cano and remained in the game.
It’s almost fitting that Cano was injured in the Midsummer Classic. Jay-Z’s first sports client had been the steady star in a Yankees lineup ravaged by injuries to their expensive stars.
While Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, Kevin Youkilis and Mark Teixeira all have missed significant time in the first half of the season, the AL Home Run Derby captain racked up a team-leading 21 homers and 65 RBIs, hitting .302.
“Well, that never went through my mind,” Cano said. “My mind was not something like bad, that you can miss some of the season’s game.”
All-Stars often dress quickly and leave after they come out, but Cano had good reason to stick around — at least that was his plan.
“Just (to) watch Mariano,” Cano said of Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, in his final All-Star game.
In a couple of quirky coincidences, Cano’s No. 24 was in the spotlight long after he was off receiving treatment.
First, a child wearing a Cano pinstriped jersey was nearly hit by Miguel Cabrera’s flying bat. Cabrera sent the bat twirling into the stands flailing at a strike.
Then a little later, a fan ran onto the field and was tackled by security. Yup, he was wearing a navy blue t-shirt with “Cano” on the back.