McCarthy takes step back

Right-hander Brandon McCarthy was shut down after an inning of work Friday after again suffering stiffness in his right forearm, and his status for the start of the season is now uncertain.

He allowed only one hit in his first spring outing, which lasted 19 pitches. McCarthy complained of the stiffness between innings, and pitching coach Mark Conner chose to shut him down.

"I was planning to throw two innings," McCarthy said. "It flared up again. Knowing the area, it's not the best feeling in the world."