Yankees RHP Albaladejo leaves game

May 10, 2008 - 5:56 AM DETROIT (Ticker) -- New York Yankees righthander Jonathan Albaladejo left Friday's 6-5 loss to the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning with a right elbow injury.

Albaladejo was in obvious pain after delivering his second pitch to Tigers second baseman Placido Polanco.

"It felt like somebody jabbed me with a needle," Albaladejo said. "It was a burning sensation that I never felt before. I just couldn't go on. I don't think it's too serious, but I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to staying up here all (season), and then this happens."

"Looks like a trip to the DL," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He's going to New York for an MRI. It seems to be a strained muscle or ligament."

He immediately left the game and was replaced by LaTroy Hawkins, who inherited a 2-0 count on Polanco with one out and runners on first and third. Hawkins got out of the inning without allowing a run.

Albaladejo yielded two hits in 2 1/3 innings while striking out two and walking one before his departure.