JUPITER, Fla. -- Reliever Mitch Harris will not throw for at least two weeks after a nerve stem test on Friday confirmed that he is dealing with compression syndrome, a condition that limits blood supply to muscles and nerves. He will open the season on the Major League disabled list.
General manager John Mozeliak said that Harris will be re-evaluated in two weeks to determine whether he can resume throwing. The diagnosis was considered good news by Harris, who has felt soreness in his right arm for much of camp. He described the sensation as "borderline pain" after his March 10 appearance.
• Spring: Tickets | Ballpark | 40-man roster | NRIs
Harris has not appeared in another Grapefruit League game since.
"It's nice to get some positive news, knowing that it's nothing serious, and [to know] the direction of where we're heading next," Harris said. "Small hiccup. I've managed a few obstacles in my career so far, so I think I can manage this one a little bit."
Harris, a Navy Lieutenant who made his Major League debut last April, came into camp as a longshot to crack the Cardinals' Opening Day bullpen. Now, he'll remain in Florida to work in extended Spring Training when the Cardinals break camp next week.
He spent time on the DL last season due to a groin strain.
Worth noting
• After asking for more work, Seth Maness was sent out to the back fields on Saturday to throw in a Minor League game. It was unclear how long of an outing Maness had, but the righty reliever has asked for extended opportunities as he works through command troubles. In his last Grapefruit League appearance on Thursday, Maness gave up three runs on four hits in two-thirds of an inning.
• Manager Mike Matheny has pushed back Sunday's report time two hours so that players have the option of spending time with their families on Easter Sunday. Workouts are expected to begin at 10:35 a.m. ET, two-and-a-half hours before the club's game against Miami.