Mendez starts, strains quad

Adalberto Mendez had everything going for him in his Major League debut. That is, until the time he collected his first MLB hit.

After slapping a single to right field in the seventh inning, Mendez pulled up as he approached the bag. He stumbled a few steps and was immediately treated. He exited with a right quad strain and is listed as day to day.

Mendez said he cramped and that he is fine. The team hasn’t ruled out him making his next start.

Mendez, 28, was enjoying a stellar day until the time he was helped off the field.

Promoted from Triple-A New Orleans, the 28-year-old limited the Phillies to one hit over six scoreless innings. He struck out six, walked two and hit a batter.

Having thrown 89 pitches with 55 strikes, Mendez was expected to go back out for the seventh inning.

– Joe Frisaro