St. Louis Cardinals' Rafael Furcal’s return tentative – MLB News
St. Louis Cardinals' shortstop Rafael Furcal stated on Wednesday, September 19, that there are no plans to start throwing session any time soon as his two-week rest after a platelet-rich plasma injection came to an end.
Furcal was out of the Cardinals' line-up due to a right elbow strain that required the injection to not only relieve the pain but also subside it. Furcal was prohibited from any right arm exercises after the injection, now that period of two weeks has ended now.
The reason the shortstop cited was that the medical staff did not want him to try anything, nor did he plan to do so. "They don't want me trying," Furcal said. "I don't want to try. I don't want to hurt [my arm] worse and then have to get surgery."
The decision is understandable given the inherent risks attached to attempting anything at this stage for the shortstop with the right elbow strain. The Cardinals are engaged in a tough race for a Wild Card spot and Furcal could be an invaluable asset for the line-up.
With the uncertainty that is prevalent currently, it is not known whether he will be able to return before the end of the season. If things do not go the way the Cardinals plan or intend, Furcal may well be out of the whole season.
He might return in Spring Training next season if surgery is required due to the seriousness of the problem, a gap that is certainly too long. However, Furcal has not abandoned trying. He does see a chance to play, but in limited capacity as, say, pinch-runner.
He is determined to do something for the Cardinals – a club that had won the 2011 World Series title and endeavouring to repeat that this year with putting more on exertion.
"I wish I can come back this year and be available to do something," Furcal said. "Now, I feel like I'm not doing anything for my team."
All said, the Cardinals are keeping their fingers crossed for Furcal’s return prior to the end of the season as his presence constitutes a powerful influence on the line-up.
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