| | TOKYO -- It looks like Ismael Valdes won't have to wait a year to start contributing to the Chicago Cubs.
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An MRI has revealed that the right-handed pitcher has tendinitis in his shoulder and does not have a torn rotator cuff, as feared.
Valdes will miss at least his first start and possibly more, Cubs president Andy MacPhail said Monday night. Acquired in an off-season trade with the Dodgers, Valdes had been expected to make his debut in a Cubs uniform April 7 against Cincinnati.
"This is something that we have to manage, watch and rehab," MacPhail said. "It's not a disastrous report, and it's not a report where you have nothing to worry about. We're in a gray area."
Valdes threw 50 pitches Monday and reported having no discomfort. He is scheduled to throw again Wednesday.
MacPhail said the team is not contemplating surgery. Valdes, 26, said he experienced tendinitis in previous seasons with the Dodgers but was permitted to pitch through it. | |
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