Bartolo Colon left Tuesday's start after throwing just four pitches because of a bruised thumb.

Colon was hit by a comebacker off the bat of Kansas City Royals leadoff man Whit Merrifield.

The New York Mets, who had decided to have Colon leapfrog Noah Syndergaard in the rotation, announced Colon suffered a right thumb bruise and that X-rays were negative.

Colon next is scheduled to pitch Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. Terry Collins said the Mets would have a better idea on Wednesday about whether Colon, despite avoiding a fracture, might require a trip to a disabled list.