St. Louis Cardinals' Jaime Garcia to go for rehab instead of surgery – MLB Update
As the uncertainty surrounded the issue pertaining to Jaime Garcia’s left shoulder injury, there were reports that the doctors have suggested the St. Louis Cardinals' starter not to undergo immediate surgery.
For now, he has been asked by orthopaedist Dr. James Andrews to have rehab program so as to determine whether or not he can recover from the pain. His shoulder problem has reportedly been diagnosed with rotator cuff strain and inflammation.
For the re-evaluation process, which may last for two to three weeks, it is head physician Dr. George Paletta who will oversee it. All this comes at a time when the Cardinals are exerting to storm their way into World Series as the National League Championship Series has entered its decisive phase.
Playing the San Francisco Giants, the Cardinals seem in a rather strong position to attain their goal of winning a victory in the National League Championship Series. Jaime Garcia’s absence, therefore, is conspicuous.
Now that he has been suggested not to have surgery, the rehab process will be eagerly and anxiously watched. That holds critical importance not only for the club but also for the player who is there with the Cardinals for three seasons at $22.5 million.
"To me, it's at least a plan," general manager John Mozeliak said. "There's nothing that is screaming surgery. Dr. Andrews felt like getting him some rehab to see if he can work through it is fine. And from a medical standpoint, we're fine with that."
Thus, the focus remains this rehab process. For now, Garcia’s main goal is to start playing catch within two weeks. That will go a long way to clarify whether or not the Cardinals’ pitcher can avoid surgery.
Garcia also commented on the discussion he had with Dr. James Andrews as he said, "Basically, the thing that I asked him was, 'Do you think I can get back to where it was right before that game? There's some stuff in my shoulder that I know is in there. And I can deal with that. He believes that I might as well give it a try."
Whatever has come to the fore up until now, it is certain that Garcia will not play the post-season games, implying there is no prospect of him playing the World Series even though the Cardinals very well have the option of including him in the 25-man roster.
Nonetheless, all eyes are on Garcia’s rehab which the Cardinals hope will culminate with the pitcher requiring no surgery.
Tags: