Mat Latos To Begin Season On DL With Shoulder Injury

Mat Latos To Begin Season On DL With Shoulder Injury

Padres ace Mat Latos was having a rough go of it this spring, and he was then scratched from a start with shoulder soreness. Latos was supposed to serve as the Padres' ace and Opening Day starter, but instead word is now out on Monday that Latos will begin the season on the disabled list.

The situation may not be as bad as it sounds - Latos said his shoulder felt much better after some treatment, and while it was barking last Friday, it was fine over the weekend. He's going to try to throw some on Tuesday, and he might only miss a couple starts before coming back.

You just always have to worry when the shoulder gets involved, and no one's going to feel real comfortable until Latos returns and pitches effectively. In the meantime, the Padres will push ahead and dance around a funny early-season schedule in setting their rotation. Because of some off days, the team has decided to begin the year with a four-man starting staff. Tim Stauffer will start the opener.