It’s too soon to declare it a worst-case scenario for Padres right-hander Tyson Ross, but what had been described as a “precautionary” stint on the disabled list may last significantly longer than expected.

Ross, the club’s opening-day starter, will undergo an MRI on his inflamed right shoulder, manager Andy Green announced Wednesday.

A day earlier, Ross played catch for the first time since he went on the 15-day DL. The session was over after five minutes, the pitcher stretching from 25 feet to 75 feet. Though the Padres believe his issue is muscular and not structural, Green said Ross’ progress has “plateaued,” a development that warrants a closer look.

The MRI was scheduled for either Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.


Asked how Ross responded to throwing Tuesday, Green said: “Obviously, it didn’t come as quickly as we would’ve liked, or we we would’ve just continued on the normal progression. It was no major setback or anything like that. It’s just once the progress slows, it’s probably prudent to take a look and find out what we’re dealing with.

“We’re going to take a look at the MRI, make a determination on what the best course of action is. There’s no pending decisions to make until we get a picture of him.”

Ross’ DL stint is retroactive to April 5. He started the Padres’ season opener April 4, uncharacteristically allowing eight runs, seven earned, in 5 1/3 innings against the Dodgers. During his subsequent, between-starts bullpen session, he felt something abnormal in his throwing shoulder.

Initially, Ross and the Padres both expressed optimism that he could be back on a mound relatively soon. Now, the results of the MRI will dictate a timetable for his return.


If he continues to be out for an extended period of time, his absence could have larger ramifications than the effect on San Diego’s rotation. Widely considered the Padres’ top asset, Ross drew heavy trade interest last summer and again during the winter. The club opted to retain the 28-year-old heading into this season, casting him as the No. 1 starter ahead of James Shields and Andrew Cashner.

Ross is owed $9.625 million this season. He will be eligible for free agency after the 2017 season.