Tigers' Price suffers hamstring injury stepping on bat: 'It's nothing I've ever been through before'

Some misplaced lumber forced David Price to an early exit from Friday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals at Detroit's Comerica Park.

Price suffered a hamstring injury after stepping on Alex Gordon's bat while attempting to back up a throw to the plate during the seventh inning, manager Brad Ausmus told reporters after the Tigers' 6-5 victory.

"I stepped on the bat with my heel," Price told MLB.com's Jason Beck, "then it rolled toward the front of my foot. Felt like it kind of hyperextended my leg a little bit."

Though home-plate umpire Alan Porter tried to throw the bat out of harm's way as Eric Hosmer headed home from second base on Gordon's one-out single to center, Price accidentally tripped over the discarded bat as he tried to back up catcher James McCann.

The 29-year-old attempted to remain in the game - Price threw some pitches under the supervision of Ausmus and trainer Kevin Rand - but was shortly thereafter replaced by right-hander Alex Wilson.

"Any injury is concerning, especially when you're talking about the ace of your staff," Ausmus said. "But I think I'm less concerned now than I was when I was in the dugout while he was upstairs getting treated, now that I know what the diagnosis is."

The diagnosis may have allayed some of Ausmus's concern, but Price wasn't prepared to speculate about the severity of the injury.

"It's nothing I've ever been through before," Price said, “so I guess we’ll find out more tomorrow."

Price's premature departure punctuated an altogether rough night for the four-time All-Star, who allowed five runs - four earned - on a career-high 13 hits over 6 1/3 innings. The Cy Young Award winner notched just one strikeout, and left the game with a 5-4 deficit despite inheriting a four-run lead in the bottom of the second.