Jay Bruce leaves game early with back spasms

Mets outfielder Jay Bruce left Friday’s game against the Cubs at Citi Field with a sore back. The injury apparently happened after Bruce led off in the bottom of the fourth and popped out. He went 0-for-2 on Friday before he was removed.

Bruce did not take the field for the top of the fifth and was replaced by Jose Bautista. During his post-game press conference, Mets manager Mickey Callaway said that Bruce had back spasms but should be in the lineup for Saturday’s game.

Signed to a three-year contract in the offseason, Bruce has hit a disappointing .228/.302/.350 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 199 plate appearances this year. He hit much better than that last year, with a .253/.324/.508 line, 36 home runs, and 101 RBI as he spent most of the season with the Mets before the team traded him to the Indians for the stretch run as Cleveland made their way into the playoffs.