Mets closer suffers back spasms

BOSTON, May 24 (UPI) -- Closer Francisco Rodriguez returned to the New York Mets Sunday after a brief scare with back spasms.

He collapsed in pain during warm-ups before a 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox and it is not known when he will return to the mound.

The Mets said on their Web site that Rodriguez was taken by ambulance to a local hospital about 12 hours after the collapse.

"Man, that was really painful," he said. "I've never experienced anything like this before. I was struggling to walk (Saturday), but I got some medicine, and I feel pretty good now. My legs gave up on me."

The team said Rodriguez could hardly walk and collapsed outside the clubhouse door.

The reason for the spasms were not identified, pending test results.

J.J. Putz closed Saturday's victory and likely will continue in the closer's role until Rodriguez comes back.