NEW YORK — Boston left-hander Jon Lester was struck near the right knee by a line drive by Melky Cabrera and left tonight's game against the New York Yankees in the third inning.

The Red Sox said X-rays were negative and that Lester sustained a bruised quadriceps.

Lester fell to the ground and, with his head back and eyes closed, appeared to be in pain.

Trainers from both teams went to the mound. After about 2 minutes, Lester hobbled off with the assistance of Red Sox trainer Paul Lessard, and David Ortiz helped him down the dugout steps.

Cabrera wound up with an RBI single that gave the Yankees a 4-0 lead. Lester allowed five runs and eight hits in 2 1-3 innings.