Matt Garza missed the final 11 weeks of the 2012 season because of a stress reaction in his pitching elbow. And he might still be dealing with that injury.
According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, the right-hander left his first live batting practice session Sunday in camp. Garza was holding his left side, though that might not be indicative of anything.
The Cubs should send out an update shortly.
Garza is supposed to function as trade bait this summer for the rebuilding Northsiders. He posted a cool 3.91 ERA and 8.3 K/9 in 18 starts last season and an even-better 3.32 ERA and 9.0 K/9 across 31 starts in 2011. The 29-year-old is currently scheduled to hit the free agent market following the 2013 campaign. He has a 3.84 career ERA.
**********************
UPDATE, 8:36 PM: Sullivan reports that the Cubs have diagnosed Garza with a mild lat strain.
