Nationals C Flores likely to begin season on DL

Mar 10, 2010 - 5:05 PM JUPITER, Fla.(AP) -- Nationals catcher Jesus Flores is likely to begin the season on the disabled list because his surgically repaired shoulder has been slow to heal.

Washington is sending Flores to Birmingham, Ala., to have Dr. James Andrews take another look at his right shoulder. Manager Jim Riggleman said Wednesday he expects Flores to spend at least 10 days away from the club while undergoing tests.

Flores hit .301 in 93 at-bats last season, then had surgery to repair a torn labrum in September. The Nationals signed Ivan Rodriguez during the offseason partially as insurance in case Flores did recover as quickly as expected.

Riggleman says the Nationals won't be able to get him in enough games to ensure he's ready for the start of the season.