The Nationals plan to shut down Christian Garcia (forearm) for the next two weeks.

Garcia will be sidelined for at least 10-14 days, though it's possible he could be out longer. While the Nationals don't believe it's anything serious, he'll continue to be rested as a precautionary measure. If all goes well, Garcia could return to his throwing program by early March.

Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington reports that Christian Garcia is dealing with a strained right forearm.

That was the initial diagnosis, but it's now been confirmed by a second opinion. The condition isn't elbow-related, and the Nationals don't believe it's anything serious. Garcia will continue to be rested as a precautionary measure. If all goes well, he could return to action by next week.

Christian Garcia will receive a second opinion on his strained right forearm.

Garcia will be sidelined for at least the next few days, though it's possible it will be longer if the second doctor finds something else. The right-hander has had three elbow surgeries in his career, including two of the Tommy John variety, but he's confident that the ailment isn't related to the elbow this time.

Christian Garcia is expected to be shut down for a few days due to a strained right forearm.

The condition isn't elbow-related, as Garcia is feeling tightness close to his wrist. The Nationals are considering the right-hander day-to-day at the moment, but with his injury history, even a minor ailment is noteworthy.

Christian Garcia is not dealing with appendicitis.

Garcia has been dealing with discomfort in his abdomen over the past couple of days, so he was sent for tests to rule out the possibility. The young right-hander is still waiting on the diagnosis for his wrist/forearm, but he's confident it's not serious.

Christian Garcia (wrist) will not throw a bullpen session Thursday.

Garcia is currently dealing with some minor tightness between his right wrist and forearm, but said Thursday morning that he feels better. He's also awaiting results from blood tests to determine the cause of some discomfort in his abdomen over the past few days. However, he's confident that he does not have appendicitis.

Christian Garcia wasn't able to throw live batting practice on Wednesday due to a minor wrist issue.

Garcia is also dealing with stomach discomfort, so he was sent to a doctor. However, it doesn't sound like a major concern at this time.

Christian Garcia told reporters Friday that he still hasn't heard what his role will be with the Nationals in 2013.

The Nationals have talked about converting Garcia into a starter, but haven't ruled out keeping him on the Opening Day roster as a reliever. "I have no idea. Wherever they want to put me I am okay with it," Garcia said. "I am going to go in there and compete for a job, and do the best I can." A former third-round pick of the Yankees, Garcia posted a 2.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 15/2 K/BB ratio in 13 late-season appearances with the Nationals in 2012.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson views Christian Garcia as the team's "sixth starter," but the club wouldn't mind adding a veteran for that role.

Garcia impressed this past season with the Nats, posting a 2.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 15/2 K/BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings of relief. He has the repertoire to start and did it plenty in the minors, but he often had trouble staying healthy in such a role. He's ultimately probably better suited as a reliever.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson said Monday that he's considering making Christian Garcia a starter.

Garcia, a former third-round pick of the Yankees, posted a promising 0.86 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 66/17 K/BB ratio in 52 1/3 innings of relief this season in the Nationals' minor league system. He has three good pitches, and Johnson feels he's being wasted in the bullpen.

The Nationals are expected to call up reliever Christian Garcia in September.

The Yankees gave up on Garcia in May, 2010 following two Tommy John surgeries. The 2004 third-round pick has shown a bit of promise in the past, but is through with his days as an intriguing prospect. Garcia, 26, has enjoyed a great season, however, going 2-0 with a 0.79 ERA and 16 saves in 38 games between Double- and Triple-A in Washington's system. "He deserves to be the big leagues," a baseball source told MLB.com. "He would be a big help to the bullpen."

Yankees released RHP Christian Garcia.

Even though he was constantly injured, Garcia was added to the 40-man roster after the 2008 season. The 24-year-old opened this season in Double-A Trenton's rotation, pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings on April 8 and then landed right back on the DL with a sore elbow. A second career Tommy John surgery followed, leaving him out for the season. The Yankees might re-sign him to a minor league deal.