Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Brandon Belt is out of the lineup once again after suffering back spasms, which caused him to exit Game 1 of the series on Monday against the Texas Rangers, the team announced.
Belt is now on the 10-day injured list.
Belt started Monday’s game as designated hitter, but was replaced by Spencer Horwitz. Horwitz will start tonight at first base, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at DH on Tuesday.
Manager John Schneider told reporters that Belt re-aggravated his back during his second at-bat.
Nathan Lukes was recalled from Triple-A and will be active for Tuesday’s game.
Prior to Monday’s game, the 35-year-old hadn’t played since Sept. 2 — initially due to a back strain, but then because of a stomach virus.
The veteran is slashing .252/.371/.473 this season.
Schneider also provided an update on Matt Chapman, who has been sidelined for the past two weeks with a finger injury, saying the third baseman has started hitting and the club hopes to welcome him back to the lineup later this week.