08/11/2006 12:25 AM ET Santana suffers bone contusion X-rays negative after right-hander absorbs shot to left knee By Mike Scarr / MLB.com

Ervin Santana writhes in pain after taking a comebacker to the left knee. (Mark Duncan/AP) Related Links • Tribe pounces on Angels bullpen • Cleveland's seven-run fourth:  350K • Rivera's two-run homer:  350K • Indians notes: Guthrie to debut Saturday • Santana injured in loss to Tribe • Santana hit in the leg:  350K • Angels notes: Saunders to face Yanks MLB Headlines • Manny leads Red Sox past O's in 10th • White Sox make most of Tigers' errors • Wright has the stuff for Yankees • Astros designate Wilson for assignment • Tribe downs Royals in Game 1 of twin bill • Dodgers notes: Rest for Kent, Nomar • VOTE: Comeback | Aaron Award | Hometown Heroes • Giants notes: Tomko enjoying new life • More MLB Headlines ADVERTISEMENT

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• Santana hit in the leg:  350K
• Santana injured in loss to Tribe

The right-hander had struck out Grady Sizemore in the bottom of the first when Jason Michaels followed by lining Santana's fifth pitch of the game squarely off the inside of the pitcher's left knee. Santana immediately fell to the ground in obvious pain and was attended to by the Angels training staff.

Santana left the field under his own power and was examined by Indians physician Dr. Mark Schickendantz before being transported to Lutheran Hospital for X-rays, which were negative. Santana is listed as day-to-day with a bone bruise.

"It hit about as square as a ball can hit somebody. Fortunately, there was no structural damage and hopefully he can make his next start," said manager Mike Scioscia, who added that no additional tests have been scheduled. "It could have been worse. It still could be bad even though some things might not be structurally impacted. It is a bone bruise. It will affect what he can do on the mound."

Santana, who wanted to stay in the game, was standing and dressed in the clubhouse afterward, expressing confidence that he would take the ball in his next scheduled start Tuesday in Texas. He said he was scared initially.

"It was very bad because [Alex Rodriguez] hit the same spot [April 8] and maybe it was broken," Santana said. "If it was broken, I wouldn't be here. I'd be on my way to Anaheim for surgery."

After going 12-8 in 23 starts as a rookie last season, Santana took a 12-5 mark to the mound Thursday against the Indians as the Angels' winningest pitcher this season. He made his Major League debut at Jacobs Field last year and allowed the cycle to the first four batters before allowing six runs in four innings to take the loss.

Santana was subject to numerous trade rumors prior to last month's deadline, but the Angels ultimately held on to the 23-year-old over concern for pitching depth within the organization. Bartolo Colon is likely out for the season with a partial tear of his right rotator cuff and the team is currently featuring a pair of rookies in the rotation in Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders.

The Angels called up right-handed reliever Chris Bootcheck to provide bullpen depth and optioned Tommy Murphy to make room on the roster. If Santana cannot make his start next week, the Angels will turn to Triple-A right-hander Dustin Moseley or Kevin Gregg.

Santana will wait and see.

"Right now it is ice and medicine," Santana said. "Ice and medicine."

Mike Scarr is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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