GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Casey Blake was diagnosed with nothing more serious than inflammation in his lower thoracic-spine region after spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins Jr. looked at the results of Blake's MRI exam.
Although no timetable was given for Blake's return to the field, he has reported at least some improvement each day since initially suffering the injury on Saturday, and he is expected to miss minimal time.
"We really don't have a timetable, but in talking with [trainer] Stan [Conte] earlier, he sounded optimistic we have a chance to get him back [quickly]," Dr. Watkins said. "As soon as we can get the swelling to subside, [Blake] has a chance to be back out there."
Dr. Watkins found no evidence of a strain either in the oblique or intercostal muscle, according to information released by the club. The inflammation was determined to be the source of the pain Blake was feeling, with that pain radiating to his lower rib cage.
Tony Jackson covers the Dodgers for ESPNLosAngeles.com. Follow him on Twitter.