The St. Louis Cardinals are closer to getting a key piece in their rotation back.
Adam Wainwright is set to take another step forward in his rehab from a strained groin suffered during the World Baseball Classic. According to Derrick Goold from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals’ legend is heading to Wichita for his next outing on Tuesday.
St. Louis Cardinals getting Adam Wainwright back at right time
It is possible that this will be Wainwright’s final rehab appearance. He is slated to build up to 75 pitches in the outing which would essentially be the same as a final spring training appearance. Wainwright had been relatively solid in his outing for Springfield on April 19, allowing two runs on four hits over his three innings, striking out three. He fired 59 pitches, 40 for strikes, in his first appearance since the WBC.
If Wainwright is able to return, either next Sunday or the following week, the timing would be perfect for the Cardinals. Their rotation has struggled this season, failing to pitch deeper into games and taxing the bullpen. Quality starts may be an imperfect stat, but the Cardinals are tied with the Tigers for dead last with just two quality starts all year. Both of those have been courtesy of Jordan Montgomery.
Wainwright also has a perfect opportunity to slot back into the rotation. His outings line up with Jake Woodford, who has not exactly lit the world afire in his attempt to secure a starting role. Even if Wainwright is a shadow of his former self, he should pitch deeper into games while posting close to a league average performance. The Cardinals could desperately use that right now.
The St. Louis Cardinals could be getting the piece they have needed. Adam Wainwright is getting closer to making a return to the majors.
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