Tigers’ Jeimer Candelario leaves game with ‘lumbar spine spasm’

Jeimer Candelario was lifted from the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins with a lumbar spine spasm, according to the Tigers. Candelario has previously missed game time in 2018 with a balky wrist injury.

“Lumbar spine spasm” is an awkward way to describe Candelario’s injury, but it’s probably nothing more than your run-of-the-mill lower back pain. Spasms can come about at any time, especially in a sport like baseball that involves plenty of bending and twisting. Candelario looked uncomfortable at times during the game, and was likely removed for precautionary reasons.

Candelario has not previously missed any game action for low back injuries this year, but he has been dealing with a left wrist issue for most of the year. He was placed on the disabled list in May, and recalled 11 days later after a brief rehab assignment. Candelario has also missed occasional games throughout the year because of wrist soreness.

Candelario was 0-for-3 with a walk in the game before he was replaced by utility infielder Pete Kozma. Kozma did not record a plate appearance, but he turned a double play with second baseman Dawel Lugo in the top of the ninth.