BOSTON - Boston Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz has left his start against the New York Yankees in the third inning with tightness in his throwing elbow.

Buchholz looked toward the dugout after throwing a cut fastball to Stephen Drew for a ball that was clocked at 84 mph Friday night. After a brief consultation with manager John Farrell and the trainer, Buchholz walked off the field with runners at second and third and one out.

Buchholz gave up a solo home run to Alex Rodriguez in the first inning and left trailing 1-0. The Yankees scored three unearned runs after he departed in the third to take a 4-0 lead.

Buchholz had posted a 0.87 ERA while winning his previous four consecutive starts.