Wood, who’s had an alarmingly injury-tainted career, hasn’t thrown off a hill since last weekend due to an achy back. The Indians will rest him for a few more days before he pitches again, all the while wondering when his spine is actually going to snap.

Tribe manager Eric Wedge called it “just a little back soreness” and that it was nothing to be concerned about since the righty played catch on Wednesday. But isn’t that how it always starts with this guy?

Before agreeing to a two-year, $20.5 million contract with the team in December, Wood landed on the disabled list 12 times over his 11 seasons with the Cubs, each Spring feeling some kind of “soreness” chalked up to spring stiffness. Eventually, the 31-year-old starter was forced to salvage his career by moving to the bullpen.

That all worked out rather nicely though, as Wood recorded 34 saves in his first season closing for the Cubbies. He’s impressed his new pitching coach Carl Willis, who along with Wedge, isn’t sure when Wood will see his first Cactus League game.

“With 40 some odd days to go before the opener, we want him ready for April 6, not March 6,” the skipper explained.

Slow and steady Kerry Wood. We don’t want you in a back brace by June.