Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke was scratched from his Monday start at Spring Training in Phoenix, due to an inflamed right elbow. Greinke was examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache and that an MRI in Arizona last week, showed there was no structural damage to the ligaments or tendons of the elbow.
According to the Dodgers he received an injection of platelet-rich plasma and anti-inflammatory medication. He'll rest for approximately three days before resuming a throwing program.
Dodger fans along with the organization can breathe a sigh of relief.
Greinke pitched five innings in his last two starts and missed a start due to flu like symptom's. In 2011 he injured his ribs and was out of action for a month, an injury he sustained playing pick up basketball.
Greinke was 15-5 last season with 3.48 ERA and an outstanding 200 strikeouts for the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Angels.
"Greinke tells you the truth. When he tells us the truth and then it goes into when a guy signs a deal he signs it goes into ultra-caution at this point in spring training, " said Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. "So I think everybody is being cautious and he's being truthful and they want to make sure."
Mattingly also added that the training staff would inform him of all what Greinke had to do as far as his throwing program went.
It was the teams decision for Greinke to be examined on Monday, especially being their number two starter behind Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers were correct in taking every precaution necessary.
"Again, it's to relieve your mind and maybe ours. He just kept telling us he was feeling something. When that happens, they are going to make decisions," said Mattingly.
Mattingly is confident that Greinke will return right where he left off before the inflammation, and will be ready for the regular season.
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