Reds’ DeSclafani won’t miss season

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Anthony DeSclafani can see the bright side. His ulnar collateral ligament was just sprained and not severed, which could have ended his season.

He will miss a month or two at least after being shut down from throwing for four weeks, but he should pitch this season.

“It’s a month or two compared to 15 months, a whole year,” DeSclafani said Wednesday in Goodyear, Arizona. “I’m so glad I had the chance to get back out there and compete with the team and it’s this year. That’s what I want to do. I guess it’s somewhat good news.”

DeSclafani traces his elbow issues back to a change-up he threw during a batting practice session two weeks ago. He immediately knew something was wrong.

The Reds gave the 26-year-old an ultrasound exam and shut him down for three days, and his elbow soreness calmed down. The soreness returned after he worked his way up to full intensity, right before he was set to make his spring training debut Monday.

“I felt like this was the right move for me to say something again, and I think it worked out that it was,” he said.

Royals’ Perez aiming for opener

Kansas City expects All-Star catcher Salvador Perez to be ready for its opener at Minnesota on April 3 after tests showed inflammation but no structural damage in his injured left knee.

The Royals are concerned about his hyperextended left elbow, too, and manager Ned Yost said Perez probably will be ready to play in a week.

Perez was injured Saturday while playing for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. He was hurt in a collision at the plate with his Royals backup, Drew Butera, who was playing for Italy.

“The MRI came out really, really good,” Yost said Wednesday. “But what’s bothering him more than his knee is his left elbow because he kind of hyperextended his left elbow on the tag, too.”

Perez is a four-time All-Star.

“You think I’m going to miss opening day?” he said. “I don’t think so.”