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Indians Brantley out again with stiff back

HOUSTON (AP) Cleveland left fielder Michael Brantley is out of the lineup for a second straight day because of lower-back stiffness.

Brantley was removed from the lineup about 80 minutes before Wednesday night's game and was not in the lineup on Thursday against the Houston Astros.

Brantley missed time in spring training with a similar problem.

Indians manager Terry Francona doesn't think the problem is serious but says Brantley will be examined by doctors in Cleveland on Friday morning.

Brantley was an All-Star for the first time last season. He led the Indians in runs (94), hits (200), doubles (45), RBIs (97), steals (23) and batting average (.327).

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