Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws in the bullpen during training camp.
Reuters/Los Angeles
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw said he longer feels back pain after playing catch on Friday, according to ESPN.com.
Kershaw will not pitch in the Dodgers’ domestic opener against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, but could start in the team’s home opener next Friday. If Kershaw is unable to pitch next Friday, right-hander Josh Beckett will likely start. He is eligible to come off the disabled list that day.
Fister out due to lat-muscle strain
Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams said right-hander Doug Fister may miss three weeks to a month because of a lat-muscle strain he sustained on Thursday, according to The Washington Post.
It was reported by MLB.com on Friday that Fister would start the season on the 15-day disabled list. Williams confirmed that news Saturday, giving a more approximate timetable for Fister’s return. Fister had elbow problems early in spring training but seemed to be recovered and was expected to be ready to start a game during the second week of the regular season. That was before Fister left Thursday’s game with the lat strain.
Taylor Jordan and Tanner Roark had been competing for the fifth and final spot in the Nationals’ rotation, but with Fister sidelined, it appears both will be in the rotation when the season starts.
Chacin in disabled list
Colorado Rockies right-hander Jhoulys Chacin will start the season on the 15-day disabled list because of a shoulder strain. Chacin did not appear in a spring training game and only pitched in bullpen sessions. He will stay in Arizona to rehab while the team travels to Miami for its opening series against the Marlins.
In addition to Chacin, left-hander Boone Logan was placed on the DL. Both moves are retroactive to March 21. The club also optioned right-hander Jordan Lyles to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Victorino injures hamstring
Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino injured his right hamstring in Saturday’s spring training finale and was scheduled to have an MRI.
Manager John Farrell said Victorino’s status for Monday’s season opener is questionable, according to ESPNBoston.com. Farrell said Jackie Bradley Jr., who was sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket, could be called back up if Victorino needs to be replaced. Jonny Gomes, the Red Sox’s fourth outfielder, would likely start in place of Victorino if he cannot play.
Meanwhile, contract extension talks between the Red Sox and starting pitcher Jon Lester are being put on hold, according to the Providence Journal. General manager Ben Cherington told the newspaper the two sides decided to “hit the pause button” on the negotiations after hoping to have a deal worked out by Opening Day. Lester, 30, has one year left on his contract.
Gearrin to be third pitcher
Atlanta Braves reliever Cory Gearrin could be the third pitcher on the team this spring to have Tommy John surgery. Gearrin, 27, left his last spring outing with right elbow discomfort and is scheduled to visit Dr. James Andrews next week, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Starters Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy are out for the season because they need Tommy John surgery. Left-hander Ryan Butcher was recalled from the minors to take Gearrin’s spot on the roster.
Three minor league pitchers suspended
Three minor league pitchers were suspended Saturday for violating baseball’s drug policy. Major League Baseball announced that Chicago White Sox left-handed pitcher Feny Aria, Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Geremia Espinosa and free agent righty Elou Jean were banned 50 games each after testing positive for metabolites of Stanozolol. Aria and Espinosa pitch for teams in the Dominican Summer League.
