Switch-hitting shortstop Rafael Furcal may take his first at-bat of spring training because the situation is right, not because his elbow is yet.

Furcal received an anti-inflammatory shot in his right elbow on Friday, the shortstop confirmed this afternoon. The more aggressive treatment to tame the irritation related to a bone spur in his right elbow will keep him from throwing for a few days.

It also will limit his ability to bat lefthanded for a few games.

Manager Mike Matheny suggested this afternoon that with a lefty starting for Boston on Sunday, he may get Furcal into the game for at least an at-bat early from the right side. He would not push the shortstop into a situation where he has to bat righthanded against a righthanded pitcher.