Tony

Armas Jr.

Armas admitted he was “little bit worried” the injury might be serious. He’s eligible for arbitration after the season, so he may have pitched his last game for the Expos. If Armas can’t pitch the rest of the season, Tomo Ohka will get another start or two.

It’s not known whether Armas will make his next start, but right now it does not look promising. He is considered day-to-day, but if you have a better option for the upcoming week, we would use it instead of banking on Armas.

He left that game in the bottom of the second inning after being hit on his right shin by a line drive. “We are going to continue to evaluate him,” GM Omar Minaya said. “He’s another guy we have to keep an eye on. We have to see how he recuperates in the next couple of days. We hope that he will be able to make his next start.”

The manager said Armas is questionable, but admitted he doesn’t have any replacements in line. The Expos will use the bullpen to get through the game if Armas isn’t ready.

Armas felt good after his four hitless innings Tuesday night. He should be starting for the Expos in the final week of May.

It looks like Armas will be out four weeks even before he begins a rehab assignment. He should return in late May.

Armas, who has a strained rotator cuff, has done some light throwing on the sidelines but is limited to fastballs and has been told not to attempt any breaking balls. The Expos hope to avoid surgery for Armas after losing Orlando Hernandez until at least September with a similar injury.

Armas long tossed for about 10 minutes, after which he was all smiles. Monitor his progress in spring training.

Armas is expected to pitch three innings in a simulated game on Thursday. He’s on track to make his spring debut on March 23. The plan is for him to open the season in the rotation, but he’s not going to be anything more than a five-inning pitcher initially.

This may not be a major setback, but even if it only affects his timetable by a few days, there’s a good chance that he won’t be ready to start the season on time. Armas has a great deal of upside, but he’s going to be a risky pick in NL-only leagues. He’s a better option as a late-round sleeper in mixed leagues.