Zack Greinke injury: Dodgers pitcher out 2-3 days with elbow inflammation

Zack Greinke was examined in Los Angeles by Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday, and the pitcher was diagnosed with inflammation in the back of his right elbow. Greinke received an injection of platelet-rich plasma into the elbow and was given anti-inflammatory medication.

The Dodgers say Greinke, who was scratched from his scheduled start on Monday, will resume a "progressive throwing program" in two to three days.

Manager Don Mattingly said the news from Monday's doctor appointment was about as good as could have been expected.

"It sounded good," Mattingly said. "It sounded really positive."

Greinke had an MRI in Arizona last week, which showed no structural damage to the ligaments or tendons of the elbow. Greinke threw a bullpen session after the MRI, and wowed Mattingly.

"I was in there the other day when he was throwing that bullpen and if that's a guy that's hurt," Mattingly said Monday morning. "If there is something serious going on that would be a shocker."

It is still unknown as to when Greinke will be able to make his next start. Mattingly said he would talk to pitching coach Rick Honeycutt to see where it fits on the schedule, but he feels Greinke would be able to throw something similar to the four innings or 60 pitches he would have thrown Monday had he started.

"The medical will tell us what to do with it, but I'm assuming (Greinke)'s going to be back to pretty close to where he left off," Mattingly said.

Mattingly was asked if he expected Greinke to be ready for his scheduled Apr. 2 start against the Giants, the second game of the regular season.

"Yeah, I do," Mattingly said. "That could change, but I expect him to."