Zack Greinke May Miss Monday’s Start Due to Minor Elbow Soreness

The Dodgers reported Sunday that Zack Greinke may not be able to pitch in his scheduled start on Monday due to “minor” elbow soreness. Greinke had previously missed a bullpen session nine days ago because of elbow stiffness. Then he came down with the flu and was unable to pitch on his scheduled start day four days ago. On Friday Greinke had a successful bullpen session, but his elbow soreness continues to bother him making his start Monday questionable.

Zack Greinke has only made 2 starts this Spring due to elbow stiffness and the flu. Photo: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Dodgers, team doctors have ruled out any serious elbow injuries or ligament damage. Greinke disclosed that he has dealt with elbow issues like this in the past, but they have never caused him to miss a start.Hyun-Jin Ryu who is already scheduled to pitch on Monday will likely get the start if Greinke is scratched.

At this point it is probably better to rest Greinke as a precaution instead of risking injury. The Dodgers have plenty of starting pitchers (7 others) who are available.

Greinke, the Dodgers’ $147 million man, has made two starts this Spring. He has a 3.60 ERA with 3 strikeouts and 1 walk through 5 innings of work so far.

Chad Billingsley meanwhile has a sore right groin muscle which is something he has dealt with during previous Spring camps. Bills has a scheduled start on Wednesday in a Minor League game. While a sore groin is not something to be happy about, at least his elbow is holding up. Billingsley has pitched in 3 games for the Dodgers so far this Spring, and he has a 7.04 ERA with 6 strikeouts and 3 walks in 7 2/3 innings.

The Dodgers will play the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday at  1:05 p.m. at Maryvale Baseball Park.