Garcia sits with stomach, forearm issues

VIERA, Fla. -- Christian Garcia had to skip his scheduled session throwing to live hitters this morning due both to tightness between his right wrist and forearm and a stomach issue that needed to be examined by a doctor.

The Nationals right-hander took the practice fields outside Space Coast Stadium for stretching and long tossing but rode off in a cart before he was scheduled to throw his first session of "live batting practice" to a group of teammates.

Later in the stadium clubhouse, Garcia explained both ailments, neither of which he believes is serious.

He described the arm trouble as "just a little tightness" in the area between his forearm and wrist, something he's experienced for a couple of days now.

Garcia, who twice in his career has endured Tommy John surgery, seemed more annoyed by the tightness than concerned.

"It's not typical," he said. "I've never had it. But where it's located ... the important stuff, up here and here [pointing to his elbow and shoulder], that feels great. It's early. Hopefully in a couple days I can be back at it. That's what I'm hoping."

Garcia's history of serious arm trouble actually makes him less worried about a minor issue like this.

"When I know it's not my elbow or shoulder, it still frustrates me, but I know I can overcome it," he said. "It's just not going to be that big a deal."

Garcia, who will either make the Nationals' Opening Day roster as a reliever or be sent to Class AAA Syracuse as a starter, described the stomach ailment like "a strong cramp" that comes and goes every few hours. The right-handed planned to be examined by a doctor this afternoon and receive tests, perhaps checking to make sure he's not dealing with something serious like appendicitis.

"I've never felt anything like it," he said.