Padres' Alex Dickerson: Diagnosed with UCL sprain

Dickerson was diagnosed Wednesday with a UCL sprain in his left elbow and will consider his options before deciding upon a course of action, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The next step isn't clear at this point, but there's a chance that Dickerson will avoid having to undergo surgery. The outfielder will likely be sidelined for at least six weeks while recovering from the sprain, and would miss even more time if he happens to go the surgical route. Expect a decision within the next few days. Regardless of how Dickerson chooses to proceed with his rehab, he'll open the season on the disabled list, officially taking him out of consideration for the fourth-outfielder role. Dickerson's injury improves the odds of one of Franchy Cordero, Matt Szczur (oblique) and Travis Jankowski breaking camp with the big club.