Rangers Harrison leaves game early with back stiffness

HOUSTON - Texas Rangers left-hand pitcher Matt Harrison left his Tuesday night start against the Houston Astros due to back stiffness.

Harrison went 1 2/3 innings before being pulled in favor of right-hander Justin Germano in the second inning with the Astros leading 3-0.

From the start of the game, something seemed to be off with the Rangers lefty who walked two batters in the first inning and allowed two singles, a double, a walk and a home run in the second inning before leaving the game.

Harrison started the season on the DL after missing most of 2013 due to back issues that required two surgeries. He was making his fourth start of season and the 100th of his career after picking up his first win of the season last week against Colorado.