St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright proudly represented Team USA’s uniform in the World Baseball Classic at 41 years old.
He was one of the oldest players participating in the tournament, but he did it with a smile on his face and a deep sense of patriotism.
He has been showing diminished velocity all spring, though.
We had attributed it to his age, and apparently that’s still the case.
He will begin the season on the injured list with a groin strain, though.
His manager, Oliver Marmol, is saying that he is expected to miss several weeks, so it’s a nightmare scenario for the Cards.
People on Twitter have turned against the organization for not bringing in more depth to the starting pitching department.
Adam Wainwright will begin the season on the IL and could be out “several weeks”, according to manager Oli Marmol. Wainwright injured his groin in the weight room. This injury brings the #STLCards lack of pitching depth, and the lack of any additions in the offseason into focus. pic.twitter.com/eX9LH436PO
— Under The Arch Sports (@_UTASports) March 23, 2023
Wainwright’s hurt? Oh well, at least the Cardinals bolstered the top end of the rotation through free agency to make this not mean much. Everything’s good. Sucks he has to miss Opening Day though
— Nick (@FWBluesFan) March 23, 2023
The ailment, apparently, took place during a workout in the weight room.
Lol at the takes that Adam Wainwright hurt himself because of the WBC.
He hurt himself working out in the weight room. Not pitching.
Could have happened anywhere.#STLCards
— Cardinal Nation (@CardNationFans) March 23, 2023
The Cardinals’ rotation now has Jack Flaherty, Jordan Montgomery, Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz.
Among the candidates to occupy the fifth and final spot, Jake Woodford is in pole position.
While it’s a tough break for Wainwright, it could be a blessing in disguise for the St. Louis Cardinals.
The guy who ultimately deserved the job, will now get it.
Jake Woodford SZN begins now. #stlcards
— Cardinals Live (@Cardinals_Live) March 23, 2023
It’s not out of the question that the Cardinals go to the free agent market and sign a veteran to a minor league contract, to have him around as depth.
The Cardinals are very excited about Woodford, but probably not at the expense of one of their best starters of the last 20 years.
We do hope Wainwright gets well soon and returns to the rotation in his last season playing baseball as a professional.
He deserves to go out on the field, under his terms.
NEXT: Cardinals Have A Contingency Plan After Losing A Key Starter
