Cruz leaves game with back spasms

Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz left Wednesday's game against the New York Yankees in the eighth inning with back spasms and is expected to return Thursday, according to Matt Pentz of the Seattle Times.

The 36-year-old appeared to tweak something after striking out in the sixth inning. He was seen walking with a slight limp shortly afterward, and was replaced by Mike Zunino in his following at-bat.

The Mariners may have caught a big break, as Cruz leads the team in home runs (32), slugging percentage (.543), and on-base percentage (.368).