Kaprielian is taking steps in his recovery from AC joint irritation but won't be ready to pitch in an MLB game before late April, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The oft-injured righty is beginning the season on the wrong foot, but he at least hasn't been completely shut down. He'll throw off a mound Friday and will advance to live batting practice in early April. A minor-league rehab stint is expected to follow, which means he'll miss at least two or three turns in the major-league rotation to open the year.