Kelly went from the mound directly into the clubhouse accompanied by Takahashi.

After Kelly threw a pitch to Anthony Recker with the bases loaded and two outs, he shook his right arm. Catcher Ryan Hanigan motioned toward the dugout and manager John Farrell came out immediately with assistant athletic trainer Masai Takahashi.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Righthander Joe Kelly left Monday’s game against the New York Mets during the third inning with what the Red Sox are saying was soreness in his biceps.

Kelly said his muscle felt tight while warming up in the bullpen, but took the mound hoping it would loosen up. But after 52 pitches, he came out.


“As the game progressed it got worse than I thought it was,” Kelly said. “Basically could just throw a fastball.”

Kelly said he was not concerned because he’s dealt with the same issue in previous seasons.

“Everything checked out fine. It’s just a little of bicep restriction. It’s something we’re going to work on,” he said. “It usually doesn’t last too long.”

Kelly was not taken for an MRI after the game. Farrell said he would be evaluated again on Tuesday.

“I’m fairly confident and honest with you guys that I think it’s not very much of a big deal at all,” Kelly said. “They might make me rest a little bit. Right now my arm feels fine.”

Said Farrell: “It’s not uncommon for pitchers to experience some kind of soreness as we’re stretching them out and building up their pitch count.”

Kelly was hit hard, allowing three runs on seven hits. He has had a rocky spring training, giving up nine earned runs on 17 hits over 7 1/3 innings in three starts. Kelly has had below-average velocity in two of those starts.

He is projected as the No. 5 starter in the rotation.


Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @peteabe.