MRI brings positive news on Erlin's sore elbow

SEATTLE -- The Padres got some good news regarding one of their injured pitchers, as left-hander Robbie Erlin will start a throwing program on Tuesday.

Erlin, on the disabled list since May 22 with left elbow soreness, had a second MRI on the elbow Friday that Padres manager Bud Black said "looked very good."

"It showed much improvement," Black said.

Erlin had a previous MRI on May 21, and at that time there was some fluid in the elbow. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 18.

Black cautioned that Erlin is still a ways off from returning, but this latest round of good news was very welcome for an organization that has had plenty of bad news regarding pitchers in recent years.

"He's probably still three weeks away from rehab games," Black said.

Erlin is 3-4 this season with a 4.53 ERA in nine appearances, including eight starts.