St. Louis Cardinals’ Rafael Furcal expected to show up for Wednesday’s game – MLB News
The St. Louis Cardinals indicated on Tuesday, March 13, that Rafael Furcal might be part of Wednesday’s lineup. The player who is currently battling neck stiffness has been unable to make an appearance in the last few games.
While there are other players in the 40-man Cardinals roster who have been undergoing this problem, Furcal’s return for the team holds critical importance. He has barely played two games in the Grapefruit League due to neck stiffness.
Chances are that he might show up on Tuesday, but that did not materialise. This was probably part of the precautionary measures that the Redbirds are taking to avoid further problems.
The team manager, Mike Matheny, shed light on it. “We're still at that spot where we can have a little flexibility with what we do with them and not push," Matheny said. "One more day [off] makes sense."
However, although the player has not been part of any Grapefruit League game recently, he has actively participated in the workouts. "You watch him in all of your drills and we've been trying to slow him down," Matheny said. "He's diving for balls in drills
and doing all kinds of crazy stuff. In general, if something starts to bark a little bit, it's time to slow down."
There can be a double whammy for the Cardinals at this point in time. Take, for instance, the case of Lance Berkman who is also facing stiffness has not played any game either. With such an issue propping up, the Redbirds will have to carefully strategise
the future course of action.
Part of the tentative list, the Cardinals’ Furcal will be observed closely as to how he performs if indeed he is fit enough to play Wednesday’s game. Berkman will have an opportunity to play in the Grapefruit League to ascertain his fitness.
The Cardinals are hoping that they do not fall victim to a string of injuries before the formal start of the regular season as it will be a harbinger of something not particularly good at a time when the team is defending the World Series title.
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