Plate ump Crawford leaves game with back pain

Plate umpire Jerry Crawford has left a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Mets because of lower back pain.

Crawford came out moments after Rays right-hander Jeff Niemann uncorked a wild pitch in the second inning Sunday that bounced off the backstop to catcher Dioner Navarro. David Wright took off from third and scored when Navarro's throw to Niemann covering home was too late.

Crawford signaled safe, then appeared to double over just behind the plate. Trainers tended to him for several minutes before he was helped to the visitors' dugout.

Both teams were pulled off the field during a 14-minute delay while first base umpire Scott Barry went inside to put on protective equipment. He moved behind the plate and second base ump Phil Cuzzi shifted to first, leaving a three-man crew.