Mat Latos Will Not Throw For 10-14 Days

Aug 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Mat Latos throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

An MRI revealed that Cincinnati Reds right-hander Mat Latos has a strained elbow but he will not need surgery.

Latos, already on the 15-day disabled list, will be shut down for 10-14 days.

Latos, who had bone spurs removed from the elbow in the offseason, felt discomfort in his forearm last week. That caused him to cancel a minor-league rehab assignment and cut short a bullpen session on Friday. He was also recovering from minor knee surgery he had at the start of spring training.

The forearm soreness is usually a symptom of an elbow injury but the team said it is not major.

Because Latos did not pitch in spring training, he will need time to build up arm strength once he is ready to resume throwing. He could be back some time in May.

Alfredo Simon has filled Latos’ spot in the rotation, and he’s been outstanding in his first two starts of the season, going 15 innings, allowing only two runs and has a record of 1-1 with earned run average under one.

Latos went 14-7 with a 3.16 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 187 strikeouts in 210 2/3 innings last year, and is clearly 1B in the pitching staff with Johnny Cueto as the “ace” of the staff.

Thankfully, he won’t need surgery, but damn the Reds need Latos if they even want to compete in the NL Central division.