Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Clayton Richard was removed two innings into his start against the New York Yankees due to left lat tightness, the team announced on Saturday.

Richard allowed just two hits and struck out one batter in a scoreless game through two innings before Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo motioned to the bullpen before the start of the bottom of the third.

Pitcher Nick Kingham relived Richard, who is 1-5 this season with a 6.23 earned-run average.