Locke may throw Saturday, but won't be rushed

JUPITER, Fla. -- Jeff Locke could begin his throwing progression Saturday, but the Marlins' left-hander is not being rushed, even if it means he might not be ready for Opening Day.
Locke has been on a no-throw status for about a week as he deals with left biceps tendinitis. Manager Don Mattingly notes that Locke is getting better, but he has no timeline to be ready.
"I think definitely it puts him behind a little bit, for sure," manager Don Mattingly said. "We've talked about it. He's definitely behind. The one thing we don't want to do [is rush].
"We've got a long season and we've still got a lot of time in camp. We don't want to force him into a 30-day window."
A free-agent signing formerly with the Pirates, Locke entered camp in the mix for either a rotation or relief spot. Right now, the priority is getting him healthy. Miami opens April 3 at Washington.
"The main thing is to get him right, and get him built up so we know he's ready to go," Mattingly said.
Worth noting
• Backup catcher A.J. Ellis is riding a stationary bike as he recovers from a left hamstring strain. Mattingly said he is not ready to get back on the field, which is jeopardizing whether he will be able to participate with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
• Right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne, who tweaked his oblique Thursday against the Mets, will not be throwing for at least seven days.
• The Marlins announced that Roger Hoover, who broadcasts Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp games, will call four of Miami's Grapefruit League games from March 9-12.