Bronson Arroyo’s comeback bid with the Nationals just took a big hit, as the rehabbing right-hander was scratched from today’s scheduled start with shoulder soreness.
Arroyo is coming back from Tommy John elbow surgery, but had a minor shoulder procedure done as well and at age 39 is simply trying to show that his arm can still handle pitching, period.
Arroyo was one of the most durable starters in MLB from 2004-2013, but he missed most of 2014 and all of 2015 before joining the Nationals on a minor-league contract. His deal is worth $2 million in guaranteed money if cracks the Opening Day roster, so the Nationals will have to decide if they think Arroyo is worth that investment to possibly stash on the season-opening disabled list.