Rockies righty Hale leaves with groin injury

DENVER (AP) Colorado Rockies right-hander David Hale left Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning because of a mild left groin strain.

Hale, who was scheduled to start Friday night, instead entered in the top of the second inning in place of starter Kyle Kendrick after a rain delay of 2 hours, 6 minutes. Kendrick did not return after pitching the first inning.

Hale pitched 1 2-3 scoreless innings before being forced from the game with the groin injury. He was relieved by Christian Friedrich.

The Rockies did not immediately announce a new starter for Friday's game.