Pirates' Snell has golfer's elbow, might skip Friday start

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Ian Snell's sore pitching elbow could miss his scheduled start Friday against Tampa Bay, but appears to have avoided a serious injury.

Snell complained of elbow soreness after lasting four innings of an 8-5 loss to Toronto on Sunday. He underwent tests Monday to determine if he had ligament damage, and was told by team doctors he has golfer's elbow -- the overuse of an elbow muscle.

Snell (3-7, 5.99 ERA), the Pirates' opening day starter, is 1-7 in 14 starts since April 12.

Left-hander Phil Dumatrait (3-4, 4.66 ERA) also was tested Monday and learned he has bursitis but no structural damage in his left shoulder. He is expected to come off the 15-day disabled list as scheduled July 5.