Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said the MRI of Stites' elbow looked pretty clean, MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reports. Stites also had an MRI earlier in the month, and while he seems to have avoided structural damage, he may not be ready for Opening Day. It's possible Stites could open his season with Triple-A Reno, but he's expected to contribute to the big-league bullpen this season.

Stites (elbow) hasn't thrown since his arm "locked up" following a live batting practice session Saturday, the D-backs' official site reports. Although an MRI earlier this month revealed no structural damage, Stites seems primed to begin the season on the disabled list, as he'll likely need a few weeks of rest and rehab before he's ready for game action again.

Stites (elbow) threw his third bullpen session of the spring Wednesday, the Arizona Republic reports. He's on track to face live hitters for the first time Saturday. Stites' availability for Opening Day is up in the air at the present time, however.

Stites (elbow) has been throwing from a mound, the Arizona Republic reports. He still has not made a spring debut in the Cactus League, however, and there is a growing possibility that Stites will be forced to open the 2015 campaign on the 15-day DL.

Stites (elbow) was scheduled to throw his first bullpen session of the spring Thursday, the Arizona Republic reports. Much like teammate Addison Reed, Stites has enough time to get ready for Opening Day, but it's not a guarantee at this point. How he responds to the sessions will be important in how the Diamondbacks proceed with Stites' throwing program.

Stites (arm) has been limited this spring, the Arizona Republic reports. The hard-throwing right-hander would be among the favorite to earn a bullpen spot if he were healthy, but he appears to be progressing on a schedule similar to that of Matt Reynolds. As a result, there is a growing possibility that Stites will begin the season on the disabled list.

Stites experienced some soreness during a recent throwing session and will kept off a mound for a couple days, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.Stites struggled mightily in 37 appearances with the Diamondbacks last season, but his numbers in 29 appearances between Double-A and Triple-A were much better (2.89 ERA, 1.14 WHIP). Manager Chip Hale stressed that Stites is just sore and no injury is in play, but the right-hander won't be completely in the clear until he returns to mound work.

Stites pitched a scoreless 0.2 innings allowing one hit in the Diamondbacks' 7-2 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday. His appearance snapped a four-game streak of allowing at least a run. The 24-year-old reliever had a strong August, posting a 3.86 ERA. However, a 13.50 September ERA won't help his case to get more appearances.

Stites pitched a scoreless eighth inning on one walk and one strikeout in the Diamondbacks' 6-2 loss to the Royals on Thursday. Stites has allowed one run in his last five appearances, causing his ERA to drop to 5.82 on the season. He let up 12 runs in July, so his start in August is promising.