K-Rod hospitalized with severe back spasms 1:13 AM EDT, May 24, 2009 BOSTON - Francisco Rodriguez was taken by ambulance to a local hospital after last night's game after suffering from back spasms so severe that he collapsed leaving the clubhouse. The Mets' $37-million closer was sent to the hospital for observation and more tests, but there was no further update on his condition after he departed Fenway Park. Immediately after the Mets' 3-2 win over the Red Sox, Rodriguez was in agony as he tried to dress at his locker. He remained hunched over and could barely slip on his shoes. K-Rod took questions from reporters seated at his chair and could barely look up. "Right now, it's very painful," he said. "I can't stand up." K-Rod, who said he has no history of back problems, felt it tighten up as he ran on the field during batting practice. Although he received treatment on his back, the problem got progressively worse as the night went on. "It's been a tough day," he said. As his teammates dressed, Rodriguez was escorted out through a side door by clubhouse personnel, then collapsed while still inside the stadium. A stretcher was quickly summoned, but Rodriguez was placed in a golf cart before the gates closed behind him and he was out of view. "He was in bad shape," manager Jerry Manuel said. "As for how long spasms last, his history with that, I really don't know. We'll see where he is tomorrow." WOW