Gonzales hampered by forearm soreness

VIERA, Fla. -- Marco Gonzales, the Cardinals' top pick from the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, won't pitch again in Grapefruit League play after having a recent setback with left forearm soreness.

Manager Mike Matheny revealed the issue on Sunday when asked about Gonzales' lack of game exposure since Feb. 28. Matheny said Gonzales notified the club of some discomfort in the days after that 1 2/3-inning outing and was subsequently shut down.

An MRI taken of Gonzales' elbow revealed no structural damage and he has resumed playing catch. Gonzales expects to be throwing off the mound again this week, but he'll be doing it in Minor League camp. Matheny said the Cardinals will send him out, most likely on Monday, so that Gonzales can complete his spring program where there will be more opportunities to pitch.

Gonzales, 22, allowed two runs on two hits and three walks in his only appearance for the Cardinals this spring. He finished his first professional season with four starts in Class A Advanced Palm Beach last summer and is a strong candidate to open this year in that same rotation.