Braves pitcher Blair leaves game after being struck by ball

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Braves starting pitcher Aaron Blair was diagnosed with a left-hand contusion after being struck by a comebacker to the mound in the first inning of a split-squad game Saturday against the Phillies.

Blair was hit in his non-pitching hand by the first batter he faced, Cesar Hernandez, and was removed from the game as a precautionary measure. He was listed as day-to-day and will be evaluated again Sunday.

Blair is among several pitchers competing for one open spot in the Braves rotation, though Mike Foltynewicz is considered a strong favorite to win that job and has been since before spring training began.