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An MRI showed a flexor mass strain in Mat Latos' right elbow, Reds manager Bryan Price announced on Sunday. The ligament is strong and he will not need any kind of surgery.
Latos, 26, was scratched from a recent minor league start and had to cut a bullpen session short on Friday with forearm pain. Forearm issues are usual a symptom of an elbow problem, but, given the circumstances, Latos got off easy.
Latos will be shut down for 10-14 days before he can resume throwing. He had bone spurs removed from his elbow during the offseason, then he needed knee surgery in spring training. Latos made one minor league rehab start before the new forearm problem popped up.
Since he has been shut down for roughly two weeks and still needs to go through what amounts to spring training, there is no chance Latos will return to the Reds this month. Late May seems like the best case scenario and don't be surprised if he's out until June.
Latos was 14-7 with a 3.16 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.21 WHIP and 187 strikeouts in 210 2/3 innings last season. Alfredo Simon has filled his rotation spot.
