Vazquez

VIERA, Fla. -- Montreal Expos' ace Javier Vazquez could miss the team's season opener because of a strained calf muscle.

Vazquez was hurt in Friday's start against Florida, and the Expos estimated Saturday he will be sidelined for five to 14 days. Montreal already figured to start the season without No. 2 starter Orlando Hernandez, who has tendinitis in his right rotator cuff.

"It's something I didn't want to hear,'' manager Frank Robinson said Saturday. "There not much you can do about it now. Hopefully, it's not as severe as 14 days. Hopefully, he'll be all right.''

Robinson still hopes to start Vazquez in the March 31 opener against Atlanta. Vazquez was 10-13 with a 3.91 ERA last season, and is 2-1 with a 4.05 ERA in five games this spring with 25 strikeouts and three walks.