Kyle McClellan Injured

Kyle McClellan has been mum about some soreness in his right elbow for the past couple of weeks, but on Thursday, he couldn't hid the pain.

McClellan, a , whom MLB.com called "the most versatile pitcher on the Cardinals' staff," left Thursday's 7-5 loss to the San Francisco Giants after throwing a couple of pitches to Emmanuel Burriss in the bottom of the seventh inning.

McClellan allowed two hits and two walks over one-third of an inning before being replaced by Mitchell Boggs, according to RotoWorld. The severity of the injury isn't yet clear, but we should learn more on his status after the game.

"He felt some discomfort," St. Louis manager Mike Matheny told MLB.com. "I don't want to jump to anything just yet. We'll let the doctors take a look at him."

While his teams opened a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, McClellan had to head .

McClellan had some ligament damage while in the minor leagues in 2006 and has since had two surgeries.

Could this mean lengthy stay on the disabled list? It's too early to tell for McClellan, who has been a relief pitcher much of his professional career, but has spent portions of several seasons in the starting rotation.

Can Mclellan make a full recovery? Tell us what you think in the comments section.

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