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Matt Garza sidelined, Cubs 'optimistic and positive' he will play opening day

Matt Garza will be sidelined for a week but the Cubs are optimistic he will be available for opening day in April. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Matt Garza will be sidelined for a week but the Cubs are optimistic he will be available for opening day in April. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The MRI on Matt Garza's left side revealed a mild strain on Tuesday and the Chicago Cubs have decided to sideline the pitcher for a week or until he is pain-free.

Garza suffered a stress fracture in his right elbow that caused his season to come to an end July 21 but participated in training camp last week before an aggravation to the elbow caused him to leave the practice the field on Sunday.

His status for opening day therefore remains questionable but Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said team officials are "optimistic and positive" that Garza will be available when the season begins, according to Scott Miller of CBSSports.com.