Jason Motte prescribed rest

The St. Louis Cardinals got some news today about closer Jason Motte but it was not the news that they would have preferred.
Apr. 1, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jason Motte watches from the dugout against the Arizona Diamondbacks during opening day at Chase Field. Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Motte, who had an exam this morning, met with Dr. George Paletta. The reliever underwent an MRI in order to “take another look at the root cause of discomfort in Motte’s right elbow and forearm and help measure the healing since his previous exam” according to Post-Dispatch beat writer Derrick Goold.

Shortly before the start of tonight’s game against the Reds, Goold tweeted the news about Motte.

To put it simply, Mitchell Boggs could be the Cardinals closer for an indefinite period of time although it is very well possible that the Cardinals could very well consider placing Trevor Rosenthal as closer. If Boggs continues to struggle as closer, I think this could be a strong possibility.

Boggs did not have the best of appearances yesterday afternoon against the Reds. He said so himself during the postgame. Post-Dispatch columnist Bernie Miklasz included Boggs’ comments in his column this morning.

"“This is the worst outing of my career,” Boggs said. “I don’t think you can put it any other way. I wasn’t any good today. There’s no other way to say it, there is no excuse.”"

He came into the 9th inning with the game tied at 4 runs a piece. In 4.1 innings of play this season Boggs has allowed 2 hits, 7 runs, and 6 earned runs combined with a 14.54 ERA. He has walked 5 and struck out 4 on the season.

I don’t have the answers nor do I claim to but something has got to give if the Cardinals plan to play in October.

With David Freese back in the lineup, the Cardinals sent down Ryan Jackson to Memphis. However, it is unlikely that Jackson will get the lion’s share of playing time at short given the chemistry between Kolten Wong and Greg Garcia. The two infielders go back to their college days at Hawaii.