St. Louis Cardinals’ Jake Westbrook to throw after overcoming oblique injury – MLB News
St. Louis Cardinals' starter Jake Westbrook is expected to return by next week if everything goes well in the days to come. Westbrook has been out of the line-up since September 8 after he strained his right oblique.
Last two days, however, have seen a flurry of activities. Westbrook threw on flat ground in these two days which was in effect an enunciation of his possible return. Wednesday will see the player throw a bullpen session.
However, the Cardinals do not want to undertake any risk at this point in time. The pitcher has to throw at least two bullpen sessions to ascertain whether or not he has regained his fitness to start any game.
Westbrook himself is quite optimistic about the return – if only everything goes well as carefully planned by the club.
"If everything feels great with my side, I feel like I just need to get my arm in shape to start a game," Westbrook said. "The way it's gone, the last couple of days felt great. I think a couple bullpen sessions and I'll be ready to go."
Westbrook’s early return is a departure from the previous two similar injuries that had kept him away from the game for six weeks. With his return, the Cardinals will be a tough force defensively to reckon with.
Westbrook’s return will coincide with the first start of Chris Carpenter this season. Carpenter who was previously said to be out of the season due to thoracic outlet surgery made a dramatic comeback and is all set to pitch against the Chicago Cubs on Friday.
As these two starters make their way back into the team, Joe Kelly will be part of the bullpen. Provided Westbrook also comes back, it is Lance Lynn that the Cardinals will send back to bullpen.
The club that is competing for the Wild Card needs a strong defensive and offensive combination. The likes of Westbrook and Carpenter will be pivotal in achieving that target, helping the team book a spot in the playoffs the way they did last year and eventually went on to win the World Series title.
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