LOS ANGELES -- Braves left-hander Max Fried exited Tuesday night’s 9-0 loss to the Dodgers after his pitching hand was struck by Alex Verdugo’s line drive in the second inning.

Fried appeared to try to protect his midsection as his left hand was struck by Verdugo’s 85.5 mph liner. The 25-year-old hurler rose from his knees and immediately began shaking his hand as the Braves’ medical staff rushed to the mound.

Fried attempted to stay in the game, but was quickly removed after throwing a couple of warmup pitches. He was replaced by Josh Tomlin. The Braves later announced that X-rays of Fried's hand were negative, and he's considered day to day.

This was a much-anticipated start for Fried, a Los Angeles-area native who grew up as a Dodgers fan. He entered with a 2.21 ERA in six starts, but he surrendered three hits, including Justin Turner’s solo homer, and three runs in the first inning.