While not as bad as losing a lead in the last couple minutes of your soccer match, the Cardinals starting rotation sustained a big blow today when both Michael Wacha and Jaime Garcia were placed on the DL due to shoulder issues.
For Garcia, shoulder issues are nothing new. What is surprising is that he was able to come back and pitch effectively, even if it was just 7 starts. Garcia reaggravated his left shoulder, which was surgically repaired last year.
On the other hand, Wacha suffered what is being called a stress reaction in his pitching shoulder and will miss at least a few weeks, probably more.
Carlos Martinez, who made his second start today while filling in for Wacha, will stay in the rotation for the foreseeable future, while the Cardinals have yet to name a replacement for Garcia, who was scheduled to pitch Wednesday.
The most likely option is Tyler Lyons, who last pitched on June 19th and is on the 40-man roster. However, he might not be the best option if these injuries stretch out over a month.
Joe Kelly, who started the season in the rotation before suffering a hamstring injury, is almost ready to start a rehab assignment and could be ready to rejoin the rotation in early July.
In any case, this is just another test of the Cardinals depth and it will be interesting to see if this changes the Cards targets as the trade deadline approached.
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