SEATTLE (AP) - Mike Sweeney left Wednesday night's game against Tampa Bay after trying to stop his swing at an inside pitch from Jeff Niemann in the second inning.
The 35-year-old, five-time All-Star paused after the awkward swing before his knees buckled because of pain. Sweeney tried to stretch his back at the plate before trainer Rick Griffin escorted him into the dugout and then the clubhouse.The team reported Sweeney has spasms in his upper back. He will be re-evaluated Thursday.
Ronny Cedeno finished the at-bat by flying out. Cedeno then played second base while second baseman Jose Lopez moved over to first.
Sweeney was starting for Russell Branyan. Branyan has had spasms in his lower back for six days but said he may return Thursday.
