SEATTLE — Rookie third baseman Evan Longoria was out of the lineup for AL East-leading Tampa Bay tonight against the Mariners because of a bruised hand.

The third overall pick in the 2006 draft was hit in the bottom of his right hand by a fastball thrown by Seattle closer J.J Putz in the ninth inning Thursday night. Longoria immediately kneeled in the dirt around home plate and continued to shake his hand as he walked to first base. He stayed in the game, and X-rays taken after were negative.

He said after the game he didn't expect to miss any time, but when the 22-year-old tried to swing a bat three hours before Friday's first pitch, it was painful.

"It's sore, obviously. The guy wasn't throwing soft," Longoria said of Putz. "I expected it to be sore."

Manager Joe Maddon said it is "possible" Longoria would return Saturday. The rookie third baseman leads the team with 22 home runs and 71 RBIs in 104 games after getting promoted from the minors on April 12. Friday was the first game he didn't start since his debut.

"We don't think it's anything serious," Maddon said.