Anibal's shoulder inflammation not major concern

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Manager Brad Ausmus wasn't worried about the status of Anibal Sanchez on Tuesday, a day after the right-hander was scratched from a scheduled start because of inflammation in his right shoulder. Sanchez's schedule for the rest of this week, however, appears to be on hold.

"We've kind of mapped out a schedule," Ausmus said. "Sanchie doesn't seem concerned about it."

Sanchez told Venezuelan reporter Wilmer Reina on Tuesday morning that he received a cortisone shot in the shoulder to relieve inflammation around a nerve. He won't throw for a few days.

Sanchez's next turn in the Spring Training rotation would have come up on Saturday, but he's now on track to start Monday against the Pirates barring any setbacks. If he makes that outing, as well as next Saturday's exhibition against the Nationals in Washington, he should be on track to remain on turn for the third game of the regular season on April 3 against Kansas City.

"We can still get him around 100 pitches in his last start if everything goes according to plan," Ausmus said.

The inflammation is believed to be similar to the strain in the shoulder that sidelined Sanchez last June. Sanchez had to go on the disabled list at that time so the Tigers could fill his spot in the rotation.