JUPITER, Fla. — Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen was a late scratch Sunday with a stiff back, according to multiple officials. The righthander, who had breezed through spring training up until this point, was seen with a heat pack on his lower back Saturday. Club officials said at the time nothing was bothering their closer, but when it came his turn to pitch Sunday he was ruled unavailable shortly before the game.

General manager John Mozeliak called it “minor”, and pitching coach Dave Duncan said there is an inning available for Isringhausen as soon as he says he’s ready. Mozeliak said he wouldn’t be surprised if Isringhausen takes a few days to rest the back before appearing again.

“Right now,” Duncan said, “it’s not a concern. It’s just stiff.”

Isringhausen has pitched 4 1/3 innings in four appearance this spring. He’s struck out three, walked one and allowed three runs (all earned).

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