Brewers star Yelich scratched due to back issues

Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Cincinnati Reds due to back spasms. Yelich, the reigning National League MVP, was replaced in right field by Ben Gamel.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell told reporters that Yelich's back "locked up on him," and it had nothing to do with baseball activities. "He's got back spasms," Counsell said. "That's all we know right now."

Yelich missed five full games and parts of two others in late April and early May due to back troubles. The 27-year-old entered Tuesday as the major league leader with 19 homers. He is batting .325 with 41 RBIs.