Latos shut down from throwing after MRI results

CINCINNATI -- The good news for Reds starting pitcher Mat Latos is that the results of his MRI exam didn't bring worse news. Latos, who has been feeling elbow soreness near his right forearm, was diagnosed with a flexor mass strain.

"It's not ideal, but it's not the worst thing in the world," Latos said on Sunday.

Latos has been shut down from throwing for 10-14 days.

"It's a setback in his recovery," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "It's more time off to let it recover, let it simmer down, get the inflammation out and start back up. We'll keep working hard on staying in shape and doing all the other things that he's capable of doing. His timetable will be pushed back fairly significantly."

When last season ended, Latos had surgery in October that removed bone chips from his elbow. Just before the start of Spring Training, he slipped while throwing and tore meniscus cartilage in his left knee. That required surgery that kept him from pitching in a Spring Training game.

Latos pitched four innings in a rehab assignment game on April 3 for Double-A Pensacola, but soreness in his elbow scratched him from starting on Tuesday at Triple-A Louisville. A side bullpen session on Friday ended with Latos feeling soreness. He was sent to get re-examined by team medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek.

Fortunately, Latos was told he did not need surgery on his flexor mass tendon, similar to what reliever Jonathan Broxton had in August. The ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow was also sound.

"Everything is fine with the UCL," Latos said. "The exact words from Kremchek were 'the UCL looks strong,' from the MRI. But there is inflammation and fluid."

"We're very optimistic he will be back throwing in the next 10-14 days, and by that time, he should not have any further issues, but time will tell," Price said.