Harris to open 2016 season on disabled list

Harris to open 2016 season on disabled list

MLB.com JUPITER, Fla. — Reliever Mitch Harris will undergo a nerve stem test Friday that the Cardinals anticipate will confirm a diagnosis of compression syndrome.

That's not all bad news for Harris, who has been seeing doctors and undergoing various exams for weeks to determine why he lacked finish on his pitches and felt soreness — 'borderline pain,' he described it -while throwing. His visit to a local specialist Wednesday produced this diagnosis, which identifies increased pressure within a muscle compartment of an arm or leg.

General manager John Mozeliak said that if Friday's test results come back as expected, Harris would likely receive an injection and take two weeks off before resuming a throwing program.

'It's nice to get some positive news knowing that it's nothing serious and [to know] the direction of where we're heading next,' Harris said. 'Small hiccup. I've managed a few obstacles in my career so far, so I think I can manage this one a little bit.'

Harris, a Navy Lieutenant who made his Major League debut last April, came into camp as a long shot to crack the Opening Day bullpen. Now, it's almost assured that he'll open the season on the big league disabled list. Harris had undergone multiple MRIs this spring to rule out structural issues with his shoulder and elbow. Tests on his neck also came back negative. Still, Harris pressed for an answer, knowing that he hadn't been recovering 'I feel much better knowing this is a shorter time period and knowing that we can really push once we know for a fact what this is,' Harris said. 'I'm excited to finally be able to start some treatment and to get back to throwing.'

By Jenifer Langosch