Sandoval day-to-day with sore neck after belly-flop catch: 'Have to take one for the team'

Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval exited Monday's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays after injuring his neck while making a diving grab in the fourth inning.

Sandoval, who was removed prior to the start of the sixth, laid out for an impressive, yet awkward, belly-flop catch to rob Dalton Pompey of a bunt single. He was replaced by Allen Craig in the lineup and Brock Holt at third base.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Manager John Farrell told reporters Sandoval experienced a whiplash-like movement on the play, but is optimistic he'll be back in the lineup Tuesday.

"I'll be fine tomorrow," Sandoval told Ian Browne of MLB.com. "It's sore, but part of the game. Have to take one for the team."

Boston edged Toronto 6-5 after Mookie Betts collected his first career walkoff hit with an RBI single in the ninth.