Cubs RHP Garza: No issues with elbow

Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Garza missed much of the second half of the year with a stress reaction in his throwing elbow, but told CSNChicago.com on Friday that he expects to be ready and healthy by Opening Day.

Garza said he has had no problems since he started throwing earlier this month.

"If spring training started tomorrow, I would be ready to go," he said. "I'm not ready to pitch six innings today, but I will be ready to go when the season starts. I will be ready to go Opening Day, that's guaranteed."

The 29-year-old could be trade bait if healthy since he can become a free agent at the end of 2013.

Garza was 5-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 18 starts this year.