On Monday, the starting rotation of the St. Louis Cardinals received a major boost thanks to the return of Adam Wainwright from the injured list.
The two-time World Series champion had been out with a shoulder issue since earlier this month.
However, he delivered a strong start for the Cardinals against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night, pitching five innings and surrendering just two runs while walking two and striking out three.
The chance to earn career win No. 199 eluded him, but the veteran right-hander appeared to be back to normal on Monday night.
After the game, Wainwright discussed his outing and how he felt in his return from the injured list.
Wainwright after his five solid innings against Arizona: "That's the best I've felt all year, and it's not even close. … That's a good jumping off point. I'm more excited about the next start right now than I have been all year." #STLCards pic.twitter.com/8XUCKwFaGT
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) July 25, 2023
Wainwright joked that his main goal aside from winning the game was not embarrassing the team.
He allowed at least six runs in his previous three starts prior to landing on the injured list.
However, Wainwright said that there was something different about Monday’s performance and went as far as to say that it was the best he had felt all season long beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Wainwright also talked about having more life on his pitches.
He even hit 89 mph with his fastball several times.
The 41-year-old believes that Monday night’s strong performance could serve as a jumping off point for the rest of the year, and he even said that he was looking forward to his next start more than he has all season long.
He’ll have another chance to secure win No. 199 when he takes the mound next.
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