The St. Louis Cardinals and their loyal fans received some disappointing news on Thursday morning when it was announced that veteran right-hander Adam Wainwright would be beginning the 2023 season on the injured list as a result of a groin strain.
Wainwright was scheduled to start Opening Day for the Cardinals next Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
However, it appears that the Cardinals will have to pivot to somebody like Miles Mikolas.
Fortunately, the Cardinals have the starting pitching depth in their system to deal with the injury.
According to John Denton of MLB.com, the plan for the Cardinals is to use right-hander Jake Woodford in the rotation until the two-time World Series champion makes his return.
#STLCards manager Oli Marmol said Adam Wainwright’s groin strain opens up a starting opportunity for RHP Jake Woodford.
Woodford, who made strides this with the shape of his slider after working with pitching coach Dusty Blake, will likely take Waino’s spot in the rotation.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) March 23, 2023
Woodford is a good option to have for St. Louis.
Though he has primarily been used as a reliever over the course of his short MLB career, the right-hander is more than capable of starting.
Last season, he started the second game of a doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field and allowed just one run, pitching into the sixth inning.
St. Louis also has Andre Pallante, Andrew Suarez, and Matthew Liberatore.
Woodford appeared in 27 games and went 4-0 for the Cardinals last season, posting an ERA of 2.23 and securing a role in the bullpen late in the season.
While Woodford is a good option to have, the news of Wainwright’s injury will frustrate Cardinals fans who were hoping the team would add a starting pitcher this offseason.
Depending on how long Wainwright is out, St. Louis may need to search outside the organization.
NEXT: Cardinals Insider Provides Adam Wainwright Injury Timeline
