Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Pittsburgh Pirates lefty Erik Bedard was removed from Wednesday's game against the Washington Nationals in the second inning due to back spasms.

Bedard tossed a perfect first inning, but felt tightness while warming up and was accompanied to the dugout by Pirates medical personnel and manager Clint Hurdle. He was replaced on the mound by Brad Lincoln.

Bedard, who signed with the Bucs this offseason, is 2-4 with a 2.57 earned-run average, 37 strikeouts and 14 walks.

The Sports Network