"A few hours before last night's 1-0 loss to the Indians, Russell Martin sounded optimistic about his aching back.

"It will be fine," the Yankees catcher said. "I can tell. It's something I'll play through."

His tone must have changed because 90 minutes later, the Yankees announced Martin was scratched from the lineup with back stiffness, with Francisco Cervelli taking his place as the starting catcher.

By the end of the night, Martin's injury was the secondary concern behind Derek Jeter's sore right calf. But the Yankees have to be getting concerned with the back problem Martin can't shake, and a trip to the disabled list has to be considered. The 28-year-old had missed four consecutive games with the back problem before returning to the lineup Sunday. He underwent an MRI exam on Thursday that showed no problems."