Marte exits with apparent injury in return to starting lineup

MILWAUKEE - Starling Marte left with an apparent injury during his first start since returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates following a 16-game absence caused by lower back discomfort.

Marte immediately grabbed his lower back after fouling off a pitch from Brewers starter Chase Anderson in the third inning Thursday night. Manager Clint Hurdle and trainer Todd Tomczyk stood with Marte near home plate as he slowly walked in a circle, and after a few moments, the trio headed to the Pirates' dugout.

Matt Joyce pinch hit for Marte and flied out on a 1-2 pitch.

Marte singled to center in his first at-bat Thursday. He also pinch hit in the eighth inning of a 4-1 win Wednesday night and struck out looking.