PHOENIX - Zack Greinke was scratched from his spring-training start Monday for the Dodgers, went to Los Angeles and was diagnosed with inflammation in the back of his right elbow.
The Dodgers said the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner was examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache and an MRI in Arizona last week "showed there was no structural damage to the ligaments or tendons of the elbow."
Greinke, signed to a $147-million, six-year contract in December as a free agent, received an injection of platelet-rich plasma and anti-inflammatory medication, according to the team. The Dodgers said the right-hander will rest for 2-to-3 days and then go on a progressive throwing program.
"The fact that he's not here is a little bit of a concern," manager Don Mattingly said before the Dodgers played Milwaukee. "Listening to Zack, he can pitch with this. I know we're being really cautious. As a player, it clears the mind when you know nothing is going to get hurt by doing this. I was standing in during his bullpen, and if that's him hurting with something serious going on, it would be a shocker."
Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu replaced Greinke as Monday's starter.
The 29-year-old Greinke was 15-5 with a 3.48 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 2121â„3 innings last year for the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Angels.
He has pitched five innings in two spring training starts, missing one turn because of flu.