Texas' McClellan scratched from Sunday start

SURPRISE, Ariz. – Texs Rangers right-hander Kyle McClellan could miss the first month of the season because of a strained lat muscle.

The Rangers scratched McClellan from his start Sunday against Seattle with the injury. Texas says in a release Saturday that McClellan should need three to four weeks of recovery before beginning a throwing program. Opening day is March 31.

McClellan, who had spent his entire professional career in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, signed a minor league contract with the Rangers on Jan. 15 and was a non-roster invitee to spring training. After winning 12 games for the Cardinals in 2011, he was limited to 16 relief appearances and 18 2-3 innings last year because of shoulder and elbow injuries and did not pitch after May 17.