Michael Saunders (knee) will begin the season on the disabled list, Barry Davis of SportsNet reports.

Saunders (knee) will begin the season on the disabled list, Barry Davis of SportsNet reports.

Analysis:

Manager John Gibbons officially confirmed the news Thursday afternoon. Saunders, who had 70 percent of his meniscus removed in February, has been progressing as expected but will not quite be ready for Opening Day. It's unlikely he misses much time beyond the initial DL stint, barring a setback.