Test shows no disc injury for McGwire's ailing back

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Sidelined St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire was treated Friday for an inflammation in his back and will be re-evaluated Monday. <br><br>An exam by team physician George Paletta

Friday, April 14th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Sidelined St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire was treated Friday for an inflammation in his back and will be re-evaluated Monday.

An exam by team physician George Paletta showed no new disc injury. McGwire will sit out the remaining three games of a series in Colorado. During that time, he will rest and receive treatment.

The Cardinals have a day off Monday before beginning a nine-game homestand with a game against the San Diego Padres.

McGwire returned to St. Louis from Denver on Thursday for lingering back pain, which has bothered him since spring training.

"When you look at the long haul of the season and you think it's probably going to be bothersome all year, then I want to take time to get it done and taken care of," McGwire said prior to leaving Denver.

Trainer Barry Weinberg said the back spasms McGwire has been experiencing have subsided, but he still has pain in his lower spine.

McGwire set a major league record with 70 home runs in 1998 and followed that with a major league-leading 65 last season. He has hit three this season despite missing four of the Cardinals' first 10 games with back pain.

Craig Paquette probably will receive the bulk of the playing time during McGwire's absence.