Gavin Floyd, who is expected to be a part of the Indians' rotation, is getting an MRI on Monday. Manager Terry Francona told reporters that the right-hander has been experiencing some discomfort in a couple different spots.
"We want to get him imaged and make sure he is OK when we turn him loose. We all felt like the ball was coming out OK but he is still going through some things," Francona said. "He's feeling some things and we want to make sure he is alright. He has been through a lot and we don't want him going through more."
Francona didn't want to get into what was ailing Floyd other than saying it was "very vague and in a few different spots." Results of the MRI should be announced on Tuesday.
The Indians signed Floyd to a one-year deal on Dec. 16. He has had problems with his right elbow the past couple years. In May of 2013, Floyd had Tommy John Surgery while with the White Sox. After making a comeback last year with the Braves, he made nine starts before fracturing the olecranon bone in the same elbow. The olecranon is the prominent bone of the elbow joint.
Prior to the setback, Floyd had gone 2-2 with a 2.65 ERA and had struck out 45 in 54 1/3 innings. Dr. David Altchek, who performed both surgeries, told Floyd that the fracture was a rarity, especially after having Tommy John surgery.
Coming into spring training, Francona was hoping that Floyd could move into the second spot in the rotation, behind Corey Kluber. Even before Monday's news of the MRI, Francona started to sound as if there was some doubt about Floyd being ready for the start of the season.
Even had everything gone well, Floyd was not expected to start pitching in Cactus League games until possibly late March. The early plans were for him to start out in minor-league or "B" League games.
Should Floyd not be ready for opening week that would open another spot in the rotation. T.J. House, Danny Salazar, Zach McAllister, Josh Tomlin and Bruce Chen are in the mix for at least the last spot.
"That's why when you think you have a lot in December or too much, you go out and get more," Francona said. "I thought (general manager) Chris (Antonetti) did a good job of building depth not only to have five starters but some depth in Triple-A along with some bullpen pieces."
