Adrian Gonzalez leaves exhibition with lower back tightness

Adrian Gonzalez left  in the fourth inning of the Dodgers' exhibition with Team Australia on Thursday with tightness in his lower back, the team announced during the game.

During his at-bat in the top of the fourth inning against Ryan Rowland-Smith, Gonzalez fouled off a 1-1 pitch than appeared to, ever so slightly, stretch his back or right side after the swing. Gonzalez lined out to right field on the next pitch, then was replaced at first base by Scott Van Slyke in the bottom of the inning.

Van Slyke moved from left field, with Mike Baxter replacing him in the outfield.

Every other starting position player for the Dodgers had at least three plate appearances. Gonzalez wanted to play seven innings, per David Vassegh of KLAC. Gonzalez was 1-for-2 in his two plate appearances, but he also had the team's only hit in the first seven innings.

The Dodgers rallied for four runs in the eighth inning to take the lead.

Gonzalez after the game said he was fine and expects to play in the two opening series games on Saturday and Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Gonzalez has averaged 159 games played per season for the last eight years, with a low of 156 games in 2006.