DENVER -- DJ LeMahieu spent the first day of his 30s going 2-for-5 and making multiple standout plays at second base in the Rockies' 10-7 victory over the Mariners on Friday night. He spent his second day nursing lower back stiffness.
LeMahieu didn't participate in Saturday's 4-1 win over the M's. But because cupping and other treatments should have him ready to return for Sunday afternoon's series finale, he could laugh about his old-man ailment.
"One day and, like, 'Are you kidding me?'" LeMahieu said.
The Rockies did not take batting practice on the field, but LeMahieu took swings in the indoor cage, and said, "It just didn't feel right swinging today." An hour before the game, the Rockies announced the injury, and that Pat Valaika (0-for-3 with a walk) would take LeMahieu's place.
LeMahieu said his injury didn't happen on any particular play on Friday.
LeMahieu (.279, 8 HR, 34 RBIs) has spent much of the year in the leadoff position. His season has included two trips to the disabled list -- for 15 games from May 14-June 1 because of a left thumb strain, and for eight games April 28-May 8 because of a right hamstring strain.