Penny OK in shoulder exam

CINCINNATI -- Brad Penny underwent an MRI exam Monday in Los Angeles that revealed no structural damage to his sore right shoulder.

Though a decision whether to put Penny on the disabled list hasn’t been made, he won’t take his next turn in the rotation Friday at Dodger Stadium against the Cleveland Indians.

Penny has some inflammation and mild tendinitis on the top and front of his shoulder, a club spokesman said.

He will rest and rehabilitate in the next few days and is set to resume throwing Friday.

Penny, who was pounded for seven runs and seven hits over 3 2/3 innings in a loss to Detroit on Saturday, said the pain in his shoulder prevented him from commanding his fastball.

More medical news

Nomar Garciaparra was medically cleared to start a rehabilitation assignment today in triple A. Garciaparra, who is on the 60-day disabled list because of a strained right calf, will get two at-bats in the first game of Las Vegas’ four-game homestand. . . . Chin-lung Hu, who had complained of blurred vision, was cleared to resume playing for Las Vegas after undergoing an exam that revealed no problems.