St. Louis Cardinals bring back Skip Schumaker and Jake Westbrook – MLB Playoffs
The St. Louis Cardinals have decided to shake up the roster for Game 1 of the World Series scheduled to commence on Wednesday, October 19. Confronting the Texas Rangers at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals will have Skip Schumaker and Jake Westbrook back in the roster.
Jake Westbrook is returning to the active roster after sitting out the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. On the other hand, strained right oblique muscle that had put Skip Schumaker out has been cured which will enable the second baseman to join the team.
Playing against the Philadelphia Phillies, Schumaker ended up injuring himself in Game 5 of the National League Division Series. Even though his injury was no less than ominous news, the Cardinals eventually got hold of the Phillies and won the series.
On Tuesday, October 18 the second baseman stated that it was a wise decision to be given rest given the risk playing in the injury would bring about. The rest, according to Schumaker, will help prepare him for the World Series.
"I wouldn't put them in a situation if I was 75 percent and another guy was 100 percent ready to go," he said. "We're at a point where we're trying to win a World Series here."
Westbrook on the other hand, provides a fallback option provided there is any untoward injury of any starter, is excited to be back.
"It was disappointing when they told me that I wasn't on [the roster] last series, and it's exciting [to be on again]," Westbrook said. "It's going to be fun just to be a part of it and have a chance to get in there and compete."
Even though Westbrook has not been able to pitch in the post-season, his return is a harbinger of something positive for the team. As the World Series kicks off, both Westbrook and Schumaker are expected to put everything in order for the Cardinals. It will be interesting to see what impact these two talented players will have for the Cardinals as they go after the coveted World Series title.
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