Chris Carpenter diagnosed with nerve irritation
The St. Louis Cardinals have apparently decided to indefinitely sideline the starter Chris Carpenter. The pitcher who earlier had a complaint of neck stiffness has now been diagnosed with nerve irritation.
Although the diagnosis has finally come, what is clearly unknown right now is when the pitcher will be able to return. There were reports earlier that Carpenter had bulging cervical disc issue, but nerve irritation now is an entirely separate problem afflicting
the efficient and skilful starter.
The team general manager John Mozeliak has his explanation for the problem that Carpenter has been encountering. It is worthwhile to recall that the Cardinals starter has in past undergone almost similar problem that forced the player to end the season prematurely.
"A lot of it came back down to putting him in a certain strengthening program to get that shoulder strong and stabilize it," Mozeliak said. "When that was accomplished, he was able to pitch pain-free. So a similar model will be used going forward."
It was not long ago when the team manager Mike Matheny expressed his confidence that Carpenter would soon take to the mound. However, Matheny on Friday, March 23, admitted that what transpired is not indeed a good news for the team.
"When I got excited was watching him throw the live [batting practice session] over there [last Sunday] and watching how the ball came out of his hand. He looked sharp," Matheny said. "I probably should have reined myself in a little to see how he responded
the next day.”
With the diagnosis of the problem, the pitcher might well be advised to take rest. Provided he is asked to start throwing, it will take him several weeks of throwing sessions to ascertain his condition and fitness.
Now that Chris Carpenter will have indefinite period of rest, it is Lance Lynn who the Cardinals will turn to start. Carpenter was previously the most favourite contender for the Opening Day game, but it is not on the cards now.
Nonetheless, the Cardinals have a good set of starters to rely upon even if Carpenter takes long to make a comeback.
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