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Cardinals C Molina exits with lower back spasms

Sports

September 22nd, 2012 by Ric Hanson

CHICAGO (AP) – St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina left Saturday’s game because of lower back spasms after trying to avoid an inside pitch in the ninth inning.  The All-Star will be re-evaluated Sunday.  The Cardinals beat Chicago 5-4 in the 10th and extended their lead for the second NL wild-card spot.   “I’m not concerned,” Molina said. “I’m a little worried because any time it’s your back, it’s better to take one or two days off and finish strong.”

Molina turned to his left to avoid the pitch from Carlos Marmol and fell to the ground, clutching his side. Molina is hitting .319 with 20 home runs and 70 RBIs.  “It just tightened up on him,” Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. “Trying to react at max speed doesn’t help, either. Trainers were encouraged, thought it’s something we’ll be able to take a look at in the morning and adjust from there.”