The Yankees didn’t believe David Robertson’s back was a serious issue. Still, backs are tricky and a lower-back problem ruined Alfredo Aceves’ season.

So there wasn’t a big sigh of relief when Robertson told Joe Girardi the back felt better after playing catch. Robertson went for a MRI exam Wednesday that revealed no structural damage.

“It went real well,’’ Robertson said of the exercise in the outfield grass before the game against the Rays at Yankee Stadium. “We will see what (Friday) brings.’’

Unlike Aceves’ problem, which was disc related, Robertson’s was due to spasms. It surfaced after he pitched Monday night and was severe enough that he wasn’t available to pitch Thursday.

“He feels better (today) than he did (Wednesday) so it’s definitely going in the right direction,’’ Girardi said.

In 59 games, the right-hander is 4-5 with a 3.83 ERA and has whiffed 66 in 56 1/3 innings.

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Austin Kearns says his right index finger is feeling better but it wasn’t good enough to get him into the lineup against lefty David Price.

Kearns hasn’t started a game since Sunday. Greg Golson was in left field, hitting ninth.