Houston Astros DH Yordan Alvarez exits with back spasms

CHICAGO — Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez left Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs in the middle of an at-bat in the sixth inning because of back spasms.

After fouling off a pitch from Colin Rea to fall behind 0-2, Alvarez appeared to be in discomfort. Zach Dezenzo stepped in as a pinch-hitter, and swung and missed on the next pitch to complete the strikeout.

Alvarez was chatting with the training staff in the on-deck circle before the at-bat, his third of the game. The three-time All-Star is batting .300 with 15 homers and 31 RBIs.