Report: Dodgers concerned about Kenta Maeda's elbow
Although the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly agreed to an eight-year deal with right-hander Kenta Maeda last week, they have yet to officially announce the news, which apparently is the result of apprehension from the Dodgers.
According to an ESPN report, the reason for the delay between reports of Maeda's signing and an official announcement from the Dodgers comes from concern from Los Angeles regarding the Japanese right-hander's elbow.
Source says #Dodgers-Kenta Maeda deal is taking a while because of concerns over his elbow. Expected to be official in next day or 2.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) January 6, 2016
Maeda has occasionally experienced tightness in his elbow over the past few years, but has not sustained any serious arm injuries.
Thorough examination of a pitcher's elbow is common for major-league teams as they administer physical exams to prospective players, as was seen recently with the San Francisco Giants and Johnny Cueto.
Earlier this offseason, a deal between the Dodgers and free-agent starter Hisashi Iwakuma was called off after Iwakuma failed a physical.
The report states that a deal between the two parties still is expected to be finalized within the next couple days.