"Barry Zito spent part of Thursday in an MRI chamber, the remainder of the day in a neck brace, and his body was too sore to join his Giants teammates at Dodger Stadium for the season opener.

He should consider himself lucky.

Zito was able to walk away without major injuries after a two-car accident in West Hollywood on Wednesday night in which a cabdriver ran a red light. Zito 's car was broadsided, and he was released after a short stay at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, where a head and neck specialist examined him and X-rays ruled out structural damage.

"He's pretty shaken up," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "He was really upset. He said it happened so fast."

Zito told Bochy he was optimistic he would take the ball when he is scheduled to pitch Sunday. But the manager was skeptical, saying traumatic injuries can take days to manifest themselves. Bochy also wanted to wait for MRI results, which weren't immediately available.

Zito won't be able to throw his usual side session, but Bochy said that wouldn't preclude the left-hander from starting Sunday.

Because of days off Monday and next Thursday, the Giants ordinarily could get by with a four-man rotation until April 12. But Madison Bumgarner threw six innings in an exhibition game Wednesday, and Bochy said it's "doubtful" he would ask the 21-year-old to pitch on short rest in Zito's place."