Polanco sits with tight back

JUPITER, Fla. — Marlins third baseman Placido Polanco is getting a couple of days off to rest some tightness in his back.

The 37-year-old, who spent time on the disabled list last year with low-back inflammation, insists the back spasms he is dealing with isn’t of major concern.

Polanco felt some discomfort after practicing on Saturday. Rather than chance anything, he was given Sunday off.

The Marlins are off on Monday, and Polanco says he is hopeful to be back on Tuesday to face Team Venezuela in an exhibition at Roger Dean Stadium.

“Just a back spasm,” Polanco said. “It’s not bad. I’m feeling good right now.”

Polanco is off to a fast start, batting .400 (4-for-10).

A year ago, when Polanco was with the Phillies, he appeared in 90 games.

“It has nothing to do with what I’ve had before,” Polanco said.

Perhaps the chilly weather had something to do with it. On Saturday, the temperatures didn’t reach 60 degrees.

“Maybe,” Polanco said. “I felt it right after practice yesterday.”

Because of his past history of back issues, manager Mike Redmond said the team will closely monitor the veteran.

“We’re definitely going to have to monitor him,” Redmond said. “He and I have talked several times about letting me know how he’s feeling, and how his body is. I feel like we are on the same page. We have a good program for him.”

Chris Valaika started at third base on Sunday against the Mets.

Also on Sunday, the Marlins assigned left-handed pitching prospect Andrew Heaney to rehab due to a lat strain.

Heaney, Miami’s first-round pick last year, did not pitch in any spring games.

– Joe Frisaro