Mitch Moreland took early batting practice Saturday and said afterward that he's "optimistic" he could avoid elbow surgery, MLB.com reports.

Moreland took early batting practice Saturday and said afterward that he's "optimistic" he could avoid elbow surgery, MLB.com reports.

Analysis:

Moreland downplayed the issue after being scratched from Friday's lineup, saying he didn't think it was a big concern, but tests revealed a "loose body" in the elbow. The hope is that he'll be able to play through it, so long as the body doesn't settle in the wrong place. If surgery was needed, Moreland would be sidelined about 2-to-3 weeks.