Greinke's strained right calf improving

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke reported further improvement in his mild right calf strain on Saturday.

Manager Don Mattingly said Greinke would play catch on flat ground for the second consecutive day and work toward a bullpen session. Once Greinke throws a bullpen session, he would likely pitch in a simulated game, with risky actions such as covering bases controlled.

All of that adds up to Greinke being scratched from the club's season-opening trip to Australia, although club officials have yet to make that official. But with the projected timetable, it is virtually impossible for Greinke to be at a 90-pitch count in three weeks.

The right-hander made only four pitches Thursday, when he injured the leg in his first spring start against Arizona.