Bogaerts exits game with ankle injury after sliding down dugout steps

Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts, one of baseball's hottest hitters, was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the top of the seventh inning with an ankle injury.

Bogaerts slid down the visiting dugout steps after chasing down an errant throw from outfielder J.D. Martinez.

The infielder, who re-emerged with a significant limp, was helped off the field by Boston's medical staff and was replaced by Brock Holt.

Bogaerts has been on an absolute tear to start the season, having entered the game hitting .405/.743/1.148 with a league-high seven doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs.