BALTIMORE (AP) — Right-hander Jason Hammel left the Baltimore Orioles’ game against the Detroit Tigers with a right knee injury.

Hammel was throwing to Brennan Boesch in the fourth inning when his leg buckled after the delivery. He took a few practice tosses before manager Buck Showalter removed him from Friday night’s game.

The Orioles said that he will be examined further on Saturday.

Hammel has been bothered by a sore right knee for much of the season. He previously was skipped in the rotation and given extra rest between starts.

Against Detroit, Hammel threw 65 pitches and left with the Tigers holding a 2-1 lead. He was replaced by Luis Ayala.

Hammel came into the game with a three-game losing streak but was 8-5 with a 3.47 ERA in the first half.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)