Scott Baker Issued An MRI After Elbow Soreness

Dale Sveum said it best before Monday’s game vs the Padres: Maybe the Cubs could save some cash if they just bought an MRI machine.

March 17, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

(32) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the Oakland Athletics at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

After the amount of traffic the Cubs are putting on MRI machines this spring, I’m starting to agree with him.

Scott Baker reported experiencing soreness in his right elbow after being shelled in his only start of spring training on Sunday. The team has now scheduled him for an MRI to see if there is any serious damage to his arm. His Tommy John surgery recovery has been on pace before his first start and overexertion on Sunday may have hindered his health.

Time to hit the panic button? Not just yet.

Baker was scheduled to return to the Cubs rotation mid-April, so a little soreness is probably not a big deal for his first outing. His return date could be pushed back depending on how he feels working from the mound.

Not the best news in the world, but something we should have expected. No recovery is perfect, but I have faith that this “soreness” is just a minor set back.

More to come as news breaks.