Nationals 1B LaRoche (shoulder) to miss 3 games

VIERA, Fla. (AP) - Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche has had an MRI on his sore left shoulder and will miss at least three games.

Manager Jim Riggleman said Friday that he expects LaRoche to be ready for opening day.

The results of the MRI on Wednesday are still pending, but LaRoche is hoping it is just a pinched nerve. He had problems with the shoulder at the beginning of spring training.

The 31-year-old signed with the Nationals as a free agent in January. He will make $15 million in the first two years with an option for a third year at $10 million that can be bought out at $1 million.

He is hitting .366 with 15 hits and 10 RBIs in 41 at-bats this spring.