ESPN MLB

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Oakland Athletics starter Rich Harden left in the fourth inning Wednesday against the Rangers because of back spasms.

	Harden

Harden departed after walking Hank Blalock to load the bases, that coming a batter after the right-hander knocked down Phil Nevin's comebacker with his bare hand and completed the play for the first out.

After Blalock walked, pitching coach Curt Young headed to the mound and catcher Jason Kendall also motioned for the trainer.

Kiko Calero replaced Harden and gave up a grand slam to Kevin Mench that put the Rangers up 4-1. Mench homered in his sixth straight game, a Rangers record.

Harden was trying to become the first A's starter since Mike Moore in 1992 to start 4-0. He was charged with three runs over 3 1/3 innings. He struck out six.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press