For Chicago Cubs' starting pitcher Matt Garza, Spring Training has not started out very well. After spending the offseason recovering from a right elbow stress fracture, Garza left his first batting practice session on Sunday, February 17, after throwing only half of his scheduled 40 pitches.

Garza strained his left lat. Fortunately, his February 19 MRI revealed only a mild strain, and Garza believes he will be ready for the start of the regular season. CSN Chicago.com’s Cubs beat writer Patrick Mooney tweeted to his followers about Garza’s optimism:

Garza spoke with MLB.com’s Cubs beat writer Carrie Muskat and stated that his main goal is not necessarily pitching in early Spring Training games but, rather, getting ready for the regular season. Said Garza, "Right now, I just want to get ready to throw, get ready to start pitching for opening week, and that's where my timeline's at…. Spring starts -- of course, they matter -- but I'm more concerned about being ready by Opening Day."

Garza is one of three candidates to start the Cubs’ season opener at the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 1. He has previously stated that he has fully recovered from the elbow stress. Since the lat strain is not serious, Garza should be ready by the season’s first week even if he does not win the Opening Day nod.

Sources:

Carrie Muskat, Garza Taking His Time with Recovery, cubs.mlb.com, February 21, 2013.

Chicago Cubs, 2013 Calendar, cubs.mlb.com.

Patrick Mooney, Twitter Message, February 21, 2013.

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