He lobbied Florida Marlins manager Joe Girardi to stay in the game but lost the debate, leaving in the second inning against Philadelphia because of a sore left triceps.

X-rays were negative, and Girardi and Willis said the injury wasn't serious. But afterward, Willis acknowledged that leaving the game was the right move.

``Skip didn't want to risk it, which is understandable,'' the Marlins left-hander said. ``I was upset, but you have to understand the bigger picture.''

Girardi visited the mound twice accompanied by the team trainer in the second inning and pulled Willis after he gave up a single.

``He was trying to stay in,'' Girardi said. ``I had to convince him to think long term.''

Willis also walked one and hit a batter but allowed no runs in 1 1-3 innings.

Willis finished 12-12 with a 3.87 ERA in 223 1-3 innings. Last year he led the major leagues with 22 wins.