Brandon League to have MRI on right shoulder

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dodgers relief pitcher Brandon League will have a contrast MRI exam on his right shoulder on Wednesday morning and has been shut down from throwing, putting his availability for opening day in serious doubt.

League felt something while throwing a bullpen session on Tuesday at Camelback Ranch, his second bullpen session in three days. He said he didn't consider the injury serious, but the recurrence of feeling something in his shoulder led to the decision to have the MRI.

"If it was serious I wouldn't be able to pick up a ball," League said. "It's not painful, it's just hindering."

He last pitched in a Cactus League game on March 9.

League and manager Don Mattingly said they wouldn't have a timetable for League until the MRI results are in, but with League shut down a few days after the contrast MRI and opening day just 12 days away, he is running out of time to get ready for the season.

"He hasn't pitched in a while. He's been having recurring symptoms. It's just time to find out," Mattingly said. "You guys can do the math."

League was scratched from a scheduled relief appearance on March 13 and shut down briefly with shoulder soreness, though he was back throwing within a week and seemed to be inching closer to game action before Tuesday's setback.

"The days before, playing catch, the 15-pitch bullpen session before, I felt great. But from the first time I picked up the ball yesterday I could tell something was different. I couldn't get my arm warmed," League said. "I don't know if we rushed it, I don't know exactly what we did or didn't do."