Souza to rest with pectoral muscle soreness

April 10th, 2018

SAN FRANCISCO -- D-backs outfielder Steven Souza Jr. will be shut down for the next few days after experiencing soreness in his right pectoral muscle while playing in an extended spring game Monday.
Souza hit two home runs in seven at-bats and played catch from 105 feet but was still sore. After the game, Souza underwent a second MRI, which showed fluid still lingering around the pectoral muscle.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said the decision to halt Souza's rehab for a few days was more precaution than anything else. Souza had been optimistic about coming off the disabled when the D-backs return home April 17.
"I do not consider this a setback whatsoever," Lovullo said. "It's just that we're monitoring our athletes and getting the feedback from them. We're just going to take a few days down and see where we're at."
Souza is also leaving the ballclub for three days later this week to attend to a family matter.
"We felt like the combination of that with the next couple of days will be really good for his body," Lovullo said. "At this point the next homestand might be a little bit of a challenge, but he is trending in a very positive direction."
• Infielder took dry swings and ran before Monday's game. He is expected to take soft tosses in the batting cage Tuesday in the next step back from a sprained left AC joint. "Everything is going in a good direction for him," Lovullo said.
• Right-hander will make another rehab appearance with Class A Advanced Visalia on Tuesday. Delgado threw nine pitches in one inning Saturday.