Cardinals OF Lars Nootbaar (back spasms) exits game

St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Lars Nootbaar exited Monday afternoon's game against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning with back spasms.

He was injured chasing a double by Nick Pratto into the right-center field gap leading off the third. He exited and was replaced by Oscar Mercado, who also took Nootbaar's spot in the order, batting leadoff.

Nootbaar was 0-for-1 before leaving.

Nootbaar is batting .266 wit