"He won't be analyzed until [Saturday]," said manager Dusty Baker. "He went back to Cincinnati. We won't know anything until [Saturday]."
Obviously, this is concerning news for the Reds, who have spent much of the winter improving the bullpen. Signing Madson to a bargain contract (one year, $8.5 million with an $11-milllion option/$2.5-million buyout for 2013) was the capstone of GM Walt Jocketty's winter efforts. While Madson had previously sounded optimistic about his status, the Reds probably can't help but entertain worst-case scenarios at this point.
The good news (besides, of course, the possibility that Madson isn't seriously injured) is that the Reds have back-up closer options in Sean Marshall and Aroldis Chapman. Still, the loss of Madson would cascade throughout the pitching staff.