Boston Red Sox right-hander Sonny Gray left his Patriots' Day start against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning after experiencing what the team called "right hamstring tightness."

In his first season with the Red Sox after being acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade last November, Gray was making his fifth start of the 2026 campaign.

He had allowed one run on three hits and a walk over 2 ⅔ innings when he began having difficulty executing his pitching motion. After a brief visit from an athletic trainer and one practice pitch, Gray walked off the field.

(Salaries in present-day value calculated by MLB Labor Relations Department, impacted by deferrals and signing bonuses)1. Juan Soto, Mets - $61,875,000

25. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (*retired) – $27,814,045

1 / 30See the top 30 highest paid players in MLB baseball(Salaries in present-day value calculated by MLB Labor Relations Department, impacted by deferrals and signing bonuses)1. Juan Soto, Mets - $61,875,000

(Salaries in present-day value calculated by MLB Labor Relations Department, impacted by deferrals and signing bonuses)1. Juan Soto, Mets - $61,875,000

25. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (*retired) – $27,814,045

The 36-year-old veteran came into the game with a 2-1 record and 4.43 ERA over four starts.

If he is unable to return to the rotation or placed on the injured list, it could open the door for promising rookie Peyton Tolle to be promoted from the minors.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sonny Gray leaves Red Sox game early with hamstring tightness