Chicago Cubs starter Matt Garza will start the season on the disabled list according to manager Dale Sveum. Garza was in the second day of playing catch after sitting out 10 days with the side injury, which occurred during his first live batting practice session. Garza experienced tightness in his side and was shutdown.
“It’s a minor setback that (he) could wind up missing two weeks to a month,” he said. “Now you’re looking at him getting two (Cactus League) starts at the most.” “I’m sure we’ve got 28 days until opening day,” Sveum said. “A week from now, if everything goes good after that he should be able to get a start.”
Off-season acquisition Carlos Villanueva who has pitched as both a starter and reliever and may find himself in position to start the season in the rotation. With Garza and Jeff Baker It is not expected to be ready until mid April as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Sveum also named Jeff Samardzija as the Cubs opening-day starter, adding “it was an obvious choice.” Samardzija Battle through three innings of work on Friday and left the game with a 2-1 lead. Edwin Jackson who was signed for four years and $52 million would follow Sanarrdzija.
First baseman Anthony Rizzo is 6-for-13 with three walks this spring. Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro underwent an MRI Friday on his left hamstring, which showed mild inflammation, and he is not expected back in action until mid-next week.
