Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that Cardinals right-hander Carlos Martinez is going back on the disabled list, this time due to a right oblique strain. The Cardinals have also recalled John Brebbia, reinstated Miles Mikolas from the paternity list, optioned Matt Bowman, and added Luke Weaver to the roster as the 26th man for today’s doubleheader against the Cubs.
It’s the latest unfortunate twist in what’s rapidly turning into a disappointing season for Martinez, the young ace the Cardinals planned to lean on heavily in hopes of a playoff berth this year. He certainly began the season strong, pitching to a 1.62 ERA across his first 50 innings before straining his right lat muscle and subsequently spending a month on the DL.
Since his return on June 5th, Martinez has looked like an entirely different (read: ineffective) pitcher. He’s put up a bloated 5.32 ERA while barely averaging 5 innings across nine starts. His walk rate has soared to a remarkable 5.12 BB/9, and he hasn’t even managed to strike out a batter an inning- a department Martinez has excelled in when he’s been in top form.
Oblique injuries are no small matter, to be sure. While we don’t yet know the severity of the injury, more serious strains have kept pitchers out for well over a month. It’s not unfair to think that the Cardinals could potentially be out of the race for the NL Central crown by the time he’s healthy; that’s a factor that could ultimately delay or expedite Martinez’ timetable. For now, though we’ll await further news on the grade of his strain rather than speculate about how much time the right-hander might miss.
For the time being, it’s likely that Luke Weaver will take his spot in the rotation, which also includes Jack Flaherty, John Gant and Miles Mikolas. Lefty Austin Gomber could be a candidate to move to the rotation if and when St. Louis needs a fifth starter, though Michael Wacha could be on track to return from his own oblique injury fairly soon.
That Yankees shopping list is getting smaller and smaller.
Make it “Happ”en Yankees!
Please trade for that mediocre arm! Hahahahaha!
Wasn’t ever going to get traded anywhere in the first place
Martinez isn’t even on the block; this has nothing to do with the Yankees. And Yankees fans wonder why no one can stand them…
AMEN AMEN AMEN HATE THEM
Too many whiney Yankee haters. BooHoo
Typical ignorance of a Philly fan. Enjoy the postseason from the couch.
“And Yankees fans wonder why no one can stand them.“
That was a Red Sox fan trolling Yankees fans. The Irony is you, yourself are giving Phillies’ fans bad name
The vast majority of Yankee fan are gracious and positive—like fans in general. Unfortunately, some Yankee haters are driven by, well, hate. Resentment has no place here.
There goes the neighborhood…
I thought something was off in game other night. Velo was down and didn’t seem self.
I wish he could get straightened out. Such a major disappointment but they can’t trade him. His upside is good and his contract is cheap. Just have to be patient. No chance Mo trades him
What a round by Woods. Exhilarating.
Amazing….when he pitches good, no health issues!
Go get Sherzer!!! 😀
I’m sure the Nationals are super willing to part with their ace during a pennant race.
I think they’d listen 😉
Btw…it was a joke. I’m not naive enough to think it’s possible.
man baseball needs to do a study on injuries to young ball players. i dont remember this happening 30 yrs ago. Is it because they are used up with to much usage in youth leagues and not exercising other muscles by playing other sports.
I think it’s because these guys lift weights all year long and do conditioning all year. Body not made for that. Spring training back in the day was just that. Ball players came in from offseason putting on 10/20 lbs. worked the spring trading to get in shape.
Tough break. But good news for Cards. Would rather have Gant in the rotation. Also might open up the door for a trade for Degrom.
Where are all the guys that kept saying Cardinals dont need to add a starter. They’re probably the same ones who kept wanting to ditch Carpenter in April and May.
Ha! You hit the nail on the head with that one!!! Ha! The Cardinals still need to make one last move to put them in play off contention. Designate John Mozeliak for assignment and let Michael Girsch run the Cardinals!! He built 3 minor league power houses before he was promoted to GM.
I STILL SAY Cards should get rid of him. Before they leagues finds out ABOUT Carpenter.
Lat strain followed by an oblique strain, and God only knows how long this will gave him on the shelf. Hate to sound simplistic, but how much stretching does Martinez do on a regular basis?
This is the kind of mess that at this point you would expect from the club… We are not going to make any real moves per Mozeliak and then Martinez is on the 10 day and on top of it the Cards follow up an 18-5 game with a stinker so far today in Chicago. Par for the course…
Oh the sun has set on the Cardinals season … again …. well before the Matheny firing. Third season with NO playoffs … and counting
Hey man you wanna use your crystal ball to tell me the powerball numbers too? No one can say with any certainty right now who will fill out the playoffs in the NL. Are the chances good? Definitely not. Is it a certainty they miss the playoffs? Also definitely not.
Mo has GOT TO GO. He is an imbecile. Why the Cards are in this situation.
?