Dodgers News: Zack Greinke Discusses Calf Injury, Australia

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers were back on the field Thursday afternoon, one day after the Diamondbacks hit Clayton Kershaw hard en route to a 4-1 victory. Thursday’s meeting marked the spring debut for Zack Greinke, but after throwing just four pitches, Greinke suffered a calf strain and was lifted from the game in the first inning for what the Dodgers called, precautionary reasons.

Greinke echoed the team’s sentiments when he spoke with J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News:

Greinke: "Just the last two pitches I threw. … I threw some pitches just to test it out. Hopefully it's minor."

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) February 27, 2014

Along with believing the injury is minor, Greinke told Hoornstra he doesn’t anticipate being unavailable for the Opening Series in Australia:

Greinke said the injury shouldn't prevent him from pitching in Sydney, Australia.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) February 27, 2014

Despite Greinke’s recent comments that he has ‘zero excitement’ for the games in Australia, David Vassegh of AM 570 Radio reports the outspoken pitcher hopes to do more than just watch in Sydney:

Greinke said he wants to pitch in Sydney not just watch the games

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) February 27, 2014

If Greinke is unable to pitch in the Opening Series against the Diamondbacks, it may force manager Don Mattingly’s hand in sending Kershaw to the mound, which the team is reportedly considering avoiding. Mattingly also said that all four starting pitchers are preparing to pitch Down Under, so it’s possible Hyun-Jin Ryu or Dan Haren get the call.

Greinke also missed a large portion of the early season in 2013 after he broke his collarbone in a brawl with San Diego Padres left fielder Carlos Quentin. Greinke’s injury comes on the heels of Carl Crawford being held out of the lineup due to tightness in his right leg.

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