Mariners' Andres Munoz: Still in holding pattern

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Munoz (back) said Wednesday that he's feeling better and remains optimistic he'll avoid a stint on the injured list, MLB.com reports.

The results of the right-hander's MRI are still pending, but Munoz appears confident the flareup of a lower-back issue that caused his removal from Tuesday's appearance is temporary. Munoz revealed Wednesday he had actually been dealing with his back strain since the second game of the season and has been managing it with treatment and other pain-management remedies. Consequently, the collision with the Athletics' Max Schuemann in Tuesday's game wasn't the actual culprit, as Munoz added that he had already been feeling back tightness when warming up in the bullpen that night. Munoz's MRI results could be the ultimate determining factor in whether he avoids an IL stint, with those results likely to be available at some point Thursday.