By GEORGE A. KING III

SEATTLE — Alex Rodriguez was scratched from the Yankees’ lineup tonight against the Mariners with back spasms.

The spasms started after Rodriguez braced himself while being hit in the elbow by a pitch in Wednesday afternoon’s win over the Blue Jays. Rodriguez scored the winning run in the 11th inning.

Thought the elbow also is swollen, after sitting out last night, Rodriguez was in tonight’s original starting lineup at third base. He was replaced by Jerry Hairston.