Pirates' Tucupita Marcano injures knee trying to avoid tag, leaves game against Padres

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Tucupita Marcano left the game in the fifth inning Monday night in San Diego’s Petco Park after injuring ligaments in his right knee while trying to advance from first to third base on Liover Peguero’s infield single.

Marcano appeared to twist his knee while stepping on the bag after failing to avoid a tag from San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who was covering third base.

Marcano rolled over several times after falling to the ground in pain. Pirates third base coach Mike Rabelo immediately called to the Pirates dugout for help, and manager Derek Shelton raced onto the field accompanied by two trainers.

After several minutes, Marcano was helped off the field by the trainers, his leg lifted off the ground.

The two-out play started with Endy Rodriguez on third base and Marcano on first after a single. When Pegeuro, who started at shortstop, beat out an infield single, Padres first baseman Alfonso Rivas quickly threw across the diamond for the out on Marcano, who had rounded second base and continued running to third. Rodriguez scored on the play to give the Pirates an 8-1 lead at the time.

The Pirates said Marcano was being treated by their medical staff during the game and will undergo further testing Tuesday. He was replaced at second base by Nick Gonzales.