Reds right hander Anthony DeSclafani has a sprain of the ulner collateral ligament in his right elbow and will be shut down from throwing for at least four weeks. The 26 year old was diagnosed by team medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek in Cincinnati on Monday.
DeScalfani first reported elbow soreness two weeks ago, and underwent an ultrasound exam in Arizona. He was shut down for three days, but the soreness went away and he was cleared to resume throwing. He completed two bullpen sessions, but the soreness returned after the second one.
If all goes well, DeScalfani could make his season debut sometime in mid-May after completing a normal throwing program. Fellow Reds pitcher Micheal Lorenzen suffered a similar injury last spring and rehabbed his way back without surgery.