Exam shows no major damage for Marcum

Jun 23, 2008 - 10:50 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- Toronto Blue Jays righthander Shaun Marcum may begin a throwing program as early as Saturday after receiving a favorable report from renowned shoulder specialist Dr. James Andrews.

Marcum traveled to Birmingham, Alabama on Monday to visit with Andrews, who confirmed the Blue Jays' diagnosis that the pitcher has strained ligaments around the elbow and forearm but nothing more worrisome. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday.

Blue Jays pitching coach Brad Arnsberg revealed that Marcum has been pitching with some minor discomfort for the past two weeks. The Blue Jays did not think the problem was serious, but sent him to Andrews to make sure.

"If we needed to shut him down, we would definitely do that, but we didn't feel like it was any concern," Arnsberg said. "So, we just kept going."

Marcum, 26, is eligible to come off the DL during the Blue Jays' series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from July 4-6. According to the team's web site, however, Toronto may wait until after the All-Star break to activate him.

Marcum is 5-4 this season and his 2.65 ERA is the third-best mark in the American League.