Nationals' A.J. Cole: Shut down with triceps soreness

Cole (suspension) has been shut down for a few days with triceps soreness, the Washington Post's Chelsea Janes reports.

Analysis:

Manager Dusty Baker said earlier Tuesday that Cole was dealing with "tenderness" and now we know the exact location of the ailment. Cole's last scheduled start was skipped, but he did not seem concerned at all about the soreness, according to Janes. If Max Scherzer (finger) is not ready for the start of the season, Cole would be the presumed fifth starter if he can get healthy, although he has had a brutal spring (10.22 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, four strikeouts in 12.1 innings). He will be unavailable for the first three games of the season due to a suspension.