NEW YORK -- Nationals left-hander Sammy Solis underwent an MRI prior to Friday's game against the Mets, which revealed some nerve inflammation in his left elbow. Solis, who has been on the disabled list since April 19 with left elbow inflammation, told reporters the injury was "best-case scenario" for him; however, there is no timetable for his return.
Initially, the Nationals did not seem overly concerned about Solis, but decided to schedule a MRI when his elbow was not improving with rest. Manager Dusty Baker worried about the problems with Solis' elbow considering it's the same elbow that underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012.
"It'll ease his mind," Baker said. "It'll ease our training staffs' mind."
Nationals relievers have endured their own series of struggles to start the season, as they began the day Friday with the second-worst bullpen ERA (6.18) in the Majors, ahead of only Detroit. But they are currently tasked with turning that around without two of their brightest young arms. Solis and right-hander Koda Glover (hip) are both on the DL, although Glover said he is confident he will be activated after his 10 days are complete.
Solis began the year as the Nats' most reliable lefty in the bullpen, after he posted a 2.41 ERA in 37 games last season. He struggled to begin this season, giving up four runs in 4 1/3 innings before he landed on the DL.
Veteran left-hander Oliver Perez has taken advantage of increased playing time in Solis' absence. Perez has not allowed a run in his past 2 2/3 innings during the span of four appearances, giving up two hits and striking out three since Solis went on the DL.
Perez and Enny Romero will combine to fill in for the left-handers while Solis is sidelined. It is just unclear how long that could be.