Cubs' Garza out a week with lat strain

Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza will miss a week with a right lat strain, though his MRI gave the team no reason to worry.

Calling the injury a mild strain, the team plans to let Garza rest until he is pain-free.

When Garza is ready, "he'll ramp up his throwing program," Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer told reporters. "This will push back his Cactus League start. What it means for the regular season, it's too early to say. But really, this is good news."

While the MRI showed no significant tears, Garza is questionable as a candidate to start opening day, though Hoyer said the club is "optimistic and positive."

Garza posted a 5-7 record and a 3.91 ERA in 2012. The right-hander came to camp last week with concerns about his right elbow, which ended his 2012 season July 21 because of a stress reaction.