Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers: Bronson Arroyo out at least another 5-7 days

Arizona Diamondbacks veteran pitcher Bronson Arroyo missed what would have been his second start of spring training Tuesday due to back stiffness.

The 37-year-old starter, who signed with the team Feb. 7, gave up three hits and two runs (one earned) in his first start for the Diamondbacks against the Chicago Cubs last Thursday.

D-backs general manager Kevin Towers gave an update on Arroyo’s status Wednesday while on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Doug & Wolf show.

“(I) talked to our docs. They did an MRI last night. He’s got a little bit of a hot disc. Something that he had three years ago. Exact same area when he was with the (Cincinnati) Reds. He didn’t miss any starts there,” the GM said. “There could be a chance he could end up getting an epidural shot. But this guy always finds a way to post up.”

Towers added that he thought Arroyo was doing “a little better yesterday” on Tuesday, but that the 14-year veteran will likely miss at least one more start.

“(The injury) might set him back a little bit. He was pretty jacked up the other day in the locker room — wasn’t moving around very well,” Towers said. “More than likely, (he) probably won’t be making a start out there for at least another five-to-seven days. (We will) just kind of take it day by day, just to see how the back’s feeling.”