Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker left Thursday's game against the New York Yankees in the first inning with back pain after fouling off a pitch. Manager Mark Kotsay announced Rooker felt discomfort in his right flank following the swing. The 28-year-old was checked by the training staff and replaced by Lawrence Butler, who then took a called third strike.

Rooker's exit came after he had hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the ninth inning off David Bednar the previous night to give Oakland a 3-2 win. He is currently hitting .146 this season with two homers, though seven of his eight RBIs came in the three games preceding Thursday's contest. Rooker also holds the fourth-longest consecutive games played streak in Athletics history since 2000, with 214 straight games.