At the very least, the Cincinnati Reds will be without top starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani through the start of the regular season. It was announced Monday that the 26-year-old pitcher will be shut down for the next four weeks due to a UCL sprain in his throwing elbow. 

What is some significantly bad news for the team could end up being a lot worst. More often than not sprains of the UCL (ligament tears) can result in Tommy John Surgery eventually. Needless to say, that possibility would shut DeSclafani down for the duration of the 2017 season. 

As it is, the young starter will miss Opening Day. A sixth-round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays back in 2011, DeSclafani has progressed each season he's been in the majors. This past year saw him post a 9-5 record with a 3.28 ERA and nearly eight K's/9 in 20 starts. 

With their ace on the shelf, it looks like Brandon Finnegan will start Opening Day for the Reds against the Philadelphia Phillies.