Adam Wainwright could return to the St. Louis Cardinals soon, but it won’t be as a starter. The ace right-hander has been cleared to participate in baseball activities, and could pitch for the Cardinals this season.
“Adam Wainwright saw the doctor today and was given clearance for baseball activity,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak told reporters Monday. “We’re going to push him forward and hopefully by the weekend he’s throwing a sim game.”
Adam Wainwright tore his right Achilles on April 25th in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers while batting for the Cardinals. After he hit a pop-up, he tried to hobble out of the batters box, but couldn’t and needed assistance to leave the field. He later told reporters that he thought he got “hit by something” as he tried to leave the batters box.
If Adam Wainwright is going to pitch for the Cardinals this season, it will only be out of the bullpen.
Before his injury, Adam Wainwright was one of the best starting pitchers in MLB. Fortunately for him and the Cardinals, Wainwright does have experience as a relief pitcher. In 2006 he made 61 relief appearances, recording three saves in the process. His relief experience in 2006 also extended into the post-season where he threw 9 2/3 of shutout ball while recording four saves.
“I think I’d have a much higher confidence level to have him throw in-season before you put him on the (playoff) roster,” Mozeliak told MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch. “If you recall the last time he was in the bullpen, he was pretty good. ”
Given Adam Wainwright’s perseverance, the Cardinals should see him before the season ends barring any setbacks.
Main Photo: CINCINNATI, OH – MAY 25: Adam Wainwright #50 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws a pitch during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 25, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
