Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Chicago Cubs leadoff batter Emilio Bonifacio left Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates following his first at-bat.
Bonifacio never made it out of the batter's box after starting the game with a grounder to short. He immediately fell to the ground after the swing, grimacing in pain, and needed help walking off the field.
The team said Bonifacio left the game because of a right rib cage injury. The club did not expect to know the extent of the injury until further examination on Friday.
He was replaced in center by Junior Lake, who was to start in left. Chris Coghlan, who originally wasn't in the lineup, took over in left.
Bonifacio is hitting .266 with one homer and 16 RBI this season.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.