Joe Saunders leaves the game after taking a line drive off the foot

Texas Rangers lefthanded pitcher Joe Saunders left tonight's game with two outs in the fourth inning after taking a line drive off of his left foot/ankle.

Saunders tried to do some warmup throws after the Evan Longoria shot caromed off his foot/ankle area for a hit, but was visibly wincing, and was lifted for reliever Daniel McCutchen.  McCutchen was already warming due to Saunders' ineffectiveness.

Saunders ended up allowing 5 runs (4 earned) in 3.2 innings, giving up 6 hits (including a 3 run Sean Rodriguez homer) with 4 Ks and 3 walks.

The Rangers will have to make a roster move tomorrow to make room for Nick Martinez on the active roster.  The presumption has been that the Rangers would drop Daniel McCutchen, but if Saunders is seriously hurt, he could end up going on the d.l. instead.

UPDATE -- X-rays on Saunders' ankle are negative.

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