News
Stiff back sidelines Crede vs. Cubs
Tolbert plays third, hits leadoff in finale at Wrigley
By Jesse Temple / MLB.com
06/14/09 7:15 PM ET
CHICAGO - Twins third baseman Joe Crede was scratched from the lineup of Sunday's game against the Cubs because of a stiff lower back.
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Utility infielder Matt Tolbert took Crede's spot in the lineup, moving up to the leadoff position and playing third base. Brendan Harris dropped down from the leadoff spot to fifth, taking Crede's spot in the batting order.
Crede has a history with back injuries. He underwent back surgery in 2007 that limited him to 47 games as a member of the Chicago White Sox. Last season, he played in only 97 games because of more back issues. Crede said the malady was not something he expected to keep him out for an extended period of time.
"It was just a combination of things," Crede said. "I just woke up, and it didn't feel good at all. I went out there and tried to hit, and it was just a lot of throbbing. It's better to take a day here than have to go out there and make it worse and sit out a lot longer."
Crede had back surgery this past offseason, in October, prior to signing with the Twins as a free agent.
"The doctor said you'll have days like this," Crede said. "The best thing about it is not trying to tough it out and try to gut it out. The next thing you know, you're making it worse on a bad swing or running the bases."
Crede is hitting .228 in 47 games with the Twins, with 10 home runs with 27 RBIs.
His latest setback meant that the Twins played Sunday's game against the Cubs with 22 players. Michael Cuddyer and Denard Span already were out with ailments.
Jesse Temple is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
