Thursday morning brought some bad news for the St. Louis Cardinals and their loyal fanbase, as it was learned that veteran right-hander Adam Wainwright would begin the 2023 season on the injured list due to a groin-related injury.
This ultimately continues an ugly trend for the Cardinals that has been taking place since 2011, where a starting pitcher gets hurt in spring training or early in the season.
The 41-year-old is expected to miss several weeks.
On Twitter, a Cardinals analyst gave his thoughts on the injury, calling out the organization for not being more active in the starting pitcher’s market this offseason and seemingly believing that their rotation is stronger than it truly is.
Last week, I told @Holy_Elle that the #STLCards Were a starting pitcher injury away from being in trouble. Well! Remember, they refused to upgrade their rotation, which isn’t as strong as they think. Adam Wainwright’s velocity may be concerning, but his absence from him will sting.
—Dan Buffa (@buffa82) March 23, 2023
As this ominous trend continues for the Cardinals, fans are reminded of a frustrating reality.
Granted, the team has plenty of pitching depth in their system and could use someone like Jake Woodford to fill the hole.
However, they lack a true ace.
Miles Mikolas is the closest thing they have to that.
But several key starting pitchers were available this offseason.
While Carlos Rodon, Justin Verlander, and Jacob deGrom were beyond their price range, cheaper options such as Nathan Eovaldi, Noah Syndergaard, and former Cardinal Michael Wacha were available.
Unfortunately, they were all passed up, much to the dismay of the fanbase.
Now, they’ll prepare to be without Wainwright for a couple of weeks and be forced to piece together their starting rotation after failing to add a proven arm to it.
With Wainwright out, Mikolas figures to be the Opening Day starter.
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