CLEVELAND -- Seattle Mariners slugger Nelson Cruz, who leads the American League with 18 homers, was out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's 9-3 win over the Cleveland Indians because of back spasms.
Cruz was removed from Tuesday's game in the fifth inning after fouling off a pitch. Manager Lloyd McClendon said Cruz felt some tightness in his back during batting practice but thought he could play through it. McClendon didn't want to take any chances, and Cruz was quickly pulled from the game during his third at-bat.
McClendon said Cruz, who is batting .326 with 39 RBIs in 58 games, was available to pinch hit.