GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -Injured closer Kerry Wood believes he'll be back pitching for the Cleveland Indians sooner than expected.
On Saturday, the Indians forecast Wood to be sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks with a strained muscle below his right shoulder.
However, Wood said Sunday that he's confident his timetable to return will be shorter. The 32-year-old sustained a "moderate" strain to his right latissimus dorsi muscle earlier in spring training.
Wood said he typically has some soreness in that area during camp, but when his symptoms didn't ease, the Indians decided to have him undergo an MRI. Wood said he's thankful he didn't try to pitch through the pain or he could have done more damage.
He will begin rehab on Monday and should be playing catch within two weeks.
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