Yasiel Puig exits with upper back injury, but expected back in lineup Thursday

GOODYEAR -- Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig left Wednesday night's game against the Reds, an 10-3 win at Goodyear Ballpark, with soreness in his upper back, though the injury isn't said to be serious enough to keep Puig out of the lineup.

Puig has dealt with several minor injuries this spring, including his back and shoulder, but none have been considered serious. Don Mattingly said this one is more in the upper back, in the area of the trapezius muscle.

"I don't try to figure out Yasiel. I just go with what the trainer tells me, and move forward," Mattingly said. "I'm not too concerned, as long as the trainer tells me he'll be able to play tomorrow."

Puig appeared to hurt himself in the fourth inning against Cincinnati starter Homer Bailey. Puig grimaced after a swing, then later in the at-bat grounded out to shortstop. Puig remained in the game on defense in the bottom of the fourth, but was replaced in the bottom of the fifth inning in right field by Mike Baxter.

Mattingly said before the game he planned to extend the regulars, and every other starter against the Reds had at least three plate appearances or played six innings in the field.

Mattingly said after the game that Puig would return to the lineup on Thursday against the Angels, and play the outfield.