Carpenter, who is out of the lineup Tuesday, experienced back tightness Monday night, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Apparently, the back issue is not the sole cause of Carpenter's absence Tuesday. Manager Mike Matheny said Carpenter's 2-for-16 career record against lefty Gio Gonzalez, Tuesday's starter for the Nationals, factored into the decision to hold Carpenter out. The 31-year-old also dealt with back trouble throughout the spring, but he should be considered merely day-to-day for now.