The St. Louis Cardinals‘ best starter, in talent alone, is clearly right-hander Jack Flaherty.
Injuries, however, have affected his career, especially in 2021 and in the early going in 2022.
As a result, the Cards were able to reach an agreement with him for $5 million instead of going to arbitration.
“Source: Jack Flaherty, Cardinals settle at $5 million, avoiding arbitration,” FanSided’s Robert Murray reported on Tuesday afternoon.
Source: Jack Flaherty, Cardinals settle at $5 million, avoiding arbitration.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) March 22, 2022
Had Flaherty pitched a full season in 2021, he could have gotten a lot more money.
Instead, the two sides settled at $5 million price tag.
Flaherty could only pitch 78.1 innings last season, mainly because of shoulder issues.
They were quality, though: he made 15 starts and posted 3.22 ERA with a 9-2 record.
He struck out 85 hitters and had a solid 1.06 WHIP.
Flaherty Is Currently Shut Down From Throwing With Shoulder Bursitis
The 26-year-old pitcher was recently shut down from throwing for at least a couple of weeks, as he is currently experiencing shoulder bursitis.
Any time a pitcher nurses a shoulder injury, it’s especially concerning, because it is the most important body part for that particular activity.
There has to be at least some level of concern within the organization, but Flaherty hopes to return soon.
Over the weekend, the pitcher told reporters that a video study showed a change in mechanics that may have been the cause for his bursitis.
He says that an oblique strain forced him to change his mechanics and that had an impact on his shoulder.
He received a PRP (platetet-rich plasma) injection and, with two weeks of rest, hopes to be able to throw soon.
The Cardinals need him badly if they are serious about contending in the NL Central.
NEXT: Yadier Molina Officially Back For His Final Season
