WASHINGTON -- The MRI taken of Jon Duplantier’s right shoulder confirmed the initial diagnosis of inflammation, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said, calling the result, “very positive.”

Duplantier reported soreness in the shoulder following his start Wednesday night in Philadelphia. He lasted just three innings in the game.

“He’s going to be getting some anti-inflammatory [medication],” Lovullo said. “He’s in a no-throw situation for the next six, seven days, and I think he’ll be reexamined after that. We’re very encouraged that it’s just that. We’re going to miss him, we know that, but we’re glad that it was just those finds and nothing more serious.”

Replacing Duplantier

As for who will replace Duplantier in the rotation and start Sunday against the Nationals, the D-backs say they are still undecided.

Zack Godley, who opened the season in the rotation before being demoted to the bullpen, has pitched well in relief and is a candidate. Reliever Matt Andriese is another apparent candidate.

Whether or not either man gets the nod could depend on their usage in relief heading into Sunday. Andriese worked two-thirds of an inning in Friday's 7-3 loss to the Nationals, allowing two runs on two hits with a walk.

“We’re still going through that process,” Lovullo said. “Some of the candidates are here; they’re in our bullpen, and I know that everybody is aware of that, and those people might be used. And if we have to go deep [into the bullpen] for the next couple of days, we’re going to. We want to win today and we’re not going to sacrifice anything for later.”

The D-backs also have candidates in the Minor Leagues such as Matt Koch, Taylor Widener, Ricky Nolasco and Alex Young, among others.

Avila on IL

As expected, catcher Alex Avila was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with a strained left quadriceps muscle.

Avila suffered the injury in the fourth inning Thursday, but stayed in the game so as not to disrupt the rhythm of right-hander Zack Greinke, who carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

Avila has been swinging a hot bat, having homered in three straight appearances.

“He’s optimistic that he’s going to be OK,” Lovullo said. “He’s very experienced with these types of situations. Right now, he feels like it was something he’s felt before, like in Spring Training, and he’s optimistic that it won’t be very long. He’s done an incredible job behind the plate. The offense has been fantastic, and he’s also been mentoring [rookie catcher] Carson [Kelly].”

Caleb Joseph was recalled from Triple-A Reno to take Avila’s spot on the 25-man roster.