HOUSTON -- Michael Brantley is once again being hampered by back problems.
Two hours before Wednesday's game against Houston, the Indians' outfielder was scratched from the lineup due to lower back stiffness.
Brantley dealt with lower back stiffness during spring training as he didn't take part in the agility test the first day and missed five games in late March. Brantley, who was 0-for-4 in Monday's 2-0 loss to the Astros, missed only six games last season.
Manager Terry Francona was hopeful that Brantley could return to the lineup on Thursday but that they would keep him out if it was still bothering him.
"He wanted to play so bad and we don’t want to do something to prolong it. I’d rather it be a day or two than a week or two," Francona said. "We're more perplexed about it than I think he is. There's not any real concern structurally but it hurts."
Mike Aviles took over for Brantley in left and homered during the eighth inning of Wednesday's 2-0 win.
