Dodgers scratch pitcher Zack Greinke because of illness

PHOENIX--Zack Greinke’s strange spring got a little stranger Wednesday when he was scratched from his scheduled start against Mexico’s World Baseball Classic team.

Stephen Fife will start in Greinke’s place.

Greinke, who skipped a bullpen session Sunday because of tightness in his right foreman, complained Wednesday of flu-like symptoms. He is at least the fourth Dodger to miss a game with illness.

Luis Cruz missed two days last week after spending time at an urgent care facility with an apparent case of food poisoning. And left-hander Ted Lilly was scratched from his schedule appearance Tuesday because of sickness.

Greinke, who signed a record six-year, $147-million free-agent deal with the Dodgers in December, has pitched twice this spring, allowing two runs and six hits in five innings.

Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said that had Greinke started Wednesday, he would have been limited to 45 pitches.

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