Mar 13, 2008 9:40 PM EST

Royals' second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, who has been out with a bad back, returned Thursday to Kansas City to have it examined, according to an Associated Press report.

Grudzielanek had two surgeries on his left knee last year and has played in only three spring training games. He has not played since Monday because of tightness in his lower back.

The Royals opted to send him to Kansas City to be examined by Dr. Steve Joyce, the team physician.

Via AP