Dickey has MRI exam, reveals minor inflammation

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey delivers against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, May 1, 2013 6:25PM EDT

TORONTO - Toronto Blue Jays knuckleballer R.A. Dickey is scheduled to start for the Blue Jays on Saturday after an MRI exam revealed only minor inflammation.

The 38-year-old right-hander has been bothered by soreness in his neck and back. Manager John Gibbons said Dickey had the exam Tuesday.

"They looked at him and it was nothing serious at all," Gibbons said Wednesday during a pre-game availability.

Dickey is 2-4 on the season with a 4.50 earned-run average. He was acquired in a trade with the New York Mets after going 20-6 last season and winning the National League Cy Young Award.

Gibbons said Dickey has been feeling better in recent days and felt good after throwing a bullpen session.

The Toronto skipper added that right-hander Josh Johnson is scheduled to start Friday against the Seattle Mariners in the opener of a three-game weekend series.