As Maverick correctly informed us, Nolasco was scratched as the starter yesterday due to back spasms.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez said the decision was precautionary. Nolasco is expected to throw in the next day or two, and if all goes well, he will pitch in a game soon.
"The spasms developed on Friday," Gonzalez said. "He has improved a lot since then. We thought it was better not to take a chance. He's not going to miss any work."
Normally, this wouldn't even raise an eyebrow from me. The players are going through drills every day and the pitchers are getting their bodies prepared for the season. It is not uncommon for muscles to tighten up during the process. Especially complicated ones like those in a player's back.
Unfortunately, this spring the team has been quite unlucky in keeping the staff healthy, therefore this does bear watching. But I suspect that it is just the normal aches and pains that one gets from working all the muscles used in pitching for the first time this season and it is nothing more than that - or at least we can hope that is the case.
It probably is.