31.   Courtney Walsh is recovering from a shoulder strain and Kenny Benjamin is being treated for a stiff back, although both may play Wednesday.

32.   Goaltender Ed Belfour has a stiff back, prompting the Dallas Stars to make a recall from the minor leagues.

33.   Greg Norman, bothered by a stiff back which limited his practice rounds, warmed up on a rugby ground and pronounced himself well enough to play.

34.   Hernandez, called up from Double-A Round Rock on Tuesday, replaced Shane Reynolds, who was scratched with a stiff lower back.

35.   Klesko did not start because of a slightly stiff back.

36.   Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord with symptoms including high fever, vomiting, headache and a stiff back.

37.   Muster said he also suffered from problems with his rackets and a stiff back owing to the wind.

38.   Norman, bothered by a stiff back which limited his practice rounds, warmed up on a rugby ground and pronounced himself well enough to play.

39.   Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan spent Monday in Manhattan, his fourth straight absence, to have doctors and his chiropractor loosen his stiff back.

40.   Saddled with a stiff lower back, Ripken decided it would be better to take a seat than to take a chance.