Chicago Cubs outfielder Xavier Nady is taking longer than expected to be game-ready after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery last year.
Nady signed a one-year contract for $3.3 million to back up all three outfield positions, and the team thought he at least would be ready to be used at DH during the spring.
Even though Nady said he feels fine swinging a bat, the extensive throwing he is doing to try to build up his arm makes him reluctant to face pitchers for now.
"I could have hit today," he said Sunday. "Then again, it's my second reconstructive surgery and I want to be smart. I just want to have it all working together. Eventually I'll be out there. Sorry."
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.