Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez left Thursday's start early due to muscle cramps in his right hand, MLB.com reports.

Martinez , who made his first start of the season, allowed a sacrifice fly to Adrian Gonzalez in the third and a three-run home run to A.J. Ellis in the fifth for his only damage of the night. He was quickly removed after Ellis's home run. The right-hander yielded four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two over 4 2/3 innings pitched.

Martinez owns a 6.19 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP in 16 innings pitched this season. He is not expected to remain in the rotation.