J-Up scratched from lineup with upper back strain

NEW YORK -- Braves left fielder Justin Upton was scratched from Atlanta's lineup Tuesday against the Mets with a left upper back strain.

Before the Braves took batting practice, Upton was taking some swings in the batting cage at Citi Field when the area tightened up on him. He received treatment immediately, but Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez said it never loosened up to the point he felt comfortable keeping him in the lineup.

He was supposed to be hitting second and playing left field, but the Braves announced Upton was out of the lineup shortly before first pitch. Evan Gattis started in left for Atlanta, which lost to New York, 5-3.

"You get muscle tightness, things lock up," Upton said. "You just give it a little bit of time and it'll work itself out. Obviously, getting treatment and stuff like that, hopefully it feels better tomorrow. You just never know."

Upton is hitting .269 with 23 home runs and 62 RBIs.

"It about stayed the same. It hasn't gotten any worse," Upton said. "I imagine overnight getting some rest and coming back tomorrow and getting more treatment, it should be getting progressively better."