Mariners' Sampson leaves game before throwing 1st pitch

The Seattle Mariners, already dealing with a multitude of pitching injures, may have to add another to their list.

Rookie right-hander Adrian Sampson left his start against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday before throwing a pitch with what the team called right elbow discomfort.

Sampson threw two warmup pitches while preparing for what would have been his second career start when he appeared to make a funny motion with his legs, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. After an examination, the Mariners lifted him in favor of Vidal Nuno, who will be credited as the game's starting pitcher, though Sampson's name will remain in the box score with zero innings pitched.

Sampson made his big-league debut on June 18 at Fenway Park in place of injured left-hander Wade Miley. The 24-year-old, who was acquired by his hometown team from Pittsburgh last July for J.A. Happ, allowed four runs in 4 2/3 innings while striking out two in his first outing against Boston.

The Mariners came into Thursday's game missing three-fifths of their starting rotation in Miley, Taijuan Walker, and ace Felix Hernandez due to injuries.