St. Louis Cardinals’ Chris Carpenter unsure about return – MLB News
The St. Louis Cardinals’ starter Chris Carpenter on Monday, March 12, opted not to speculate as to when he will take the mound. Currently facing the neck stiffness that has disallowed him to pitch since March 3, Carpenter’s possibility of playing in the
Opening Day game has become ever uncertain.
Chris Carpenter, for one, has left everything for the team to decide. He says it can be any day when he will start throwing.
"I'm not going to put a time frame on it yet," Carpenter said. "I'm going to go ahead and get myself ready to throw. As long as we continue to move in the right direction, which we are, it could be any day that I start throwing."
Initially worried that the neck stiffness could have something to do with a nerve, Carpenter is relieved now as the problem only relates to a bulging disc in his neck.
"It's something that they're going to take slowly and make sure everything is right before we start pushing," Carpenter said. "I feel like every day has gotten better, especially since I got the [cortisone] shot [last week]. It's going well. They're continuing
to up the workload and make sure that nothing reacts."
Cardinals, on the other hand, have made their mind as to who they will bring in to substitute Carpenter. For as important and strong position as the rotation, it is Lance Lynn whom the Cardinals think can do the needed.
Lance Lynn previously had to serve in the bullpen, but it is now the rotation that he will take care of. As for Chris Carpenter and the neck stiffness which is due largely to the bulging disc, there have already been expert suggestions on it.
Carpenter has been asked to go for strength exercises, anti-inflammatory medicine and of course, rest. The pitcher will have the constant treatment available to him as time passes.
Carpenter was instrumental in attaining victories for the St. Louis Cardinals during the past season. It is therefore understandable to see the club desperate to see the starter back in the team sooner than later.
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