Cincinnati Reds starter Frankie Montas was removed three batters into Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Angels after he was hit in the right forearm by a line drive from Taylor Ward.

Montas, 31, was met at the mound by the Reds training staff and left the game in obvious discomfort while holding his pitching arm against his body.

Left-hander Brent Suter replaced Montas and completed a scoreless first inning.

It is the second time in three seasons Montas has left a game early against the Angels. In a 2022 outing, as a member of the Oakland Athletics, he was hit on the right hand by a comebacker from the Angels' Luis Rengifo.

Montas entered Sunday 2-2 with a 4.34 ERA in four starts. The veteran is in his first season with the Reds after previously pitching for the Chicago White Sox, A's and New York Yankees. He is 39-37 in 134 career appearances (103 starts) over nine seasons with a 3.91 ERA.