Michael Cuddyer injury: Rockies OF exits game after being hit by pitch

Rockies outfielder Michael Cuddyer had to leave the team's Cactus League game against the Cubs on Wednesday after being hit with a pitch in the third inning.

Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija loaded the bases by plunking Cuddyer, who was replaced on the basepaths -- and in the lineup -- by Jason Pridie. Carlos Gonzalez walked in the next at-bat and the Rockies tacked on another run with a sacrifice fly to take a 3-1 lead.

It's unclear if Cuddyer, who is off to a slow start this spring (hitless in nine plate appearances), was removed simply for precautionary reasons, or if the team trainers believe the issue to be serious enough to warrant pulling him. It's also unclear exactly where Cuddyer was hit; I've seen a report that says left hand, another that says back and yet another that says shoulder.

Either way, we'll be sure to keep you updated.

UPDATE (2:40 p.m. MT): Cuddyer was "clearly favoring his hand" upon exiting the game, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, so I guess we know the answer to the question of where he actually got hit.

UPDATE (4:38 p.m. MT): Cuddy will miss a couple of days with a bruised scapula (turns out that's where he was actually pegged) but is otherwise fine, he told Renck during the game. The 34-year-old veteran is experiencing soreness but is able to freely move his left arm and will not require any further evaluation.