Dozier exits game with pain in lower back

SEATTLE -- Brian Dozier left Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Mariners after 5 1/2 innings with stiffness in his lower back. Manager Ron Gardenhire said his second baseman would be evaluated back in Minnesota before the Twins open a series against Kansas City at Target Field on Tuesday. Dozier had doubled and struck out twice with two assists on groundball outs before Jamey Carroll replaced him.

Dozier said his back had been hurting since Friday's game. He went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts while turning two double plays in Saturday's win over the Mariners.

He said on a swing in the fifth inning Sunday "pain just shot up my back," and he could not get to the pitch. That was when Gardenhire noticed the injury and removed Dozier from the game.

"Just a little back spasm," Dozier said, adding he was hopeful that resting on Monday's off-day would have him ready to play Tuesday.

Dozier batted .222 (6-for-27) on the road trip. His double Sunday extended his hitting streak to seven games, tying a career high he had from May 27 to June 2.