Westbrook Back to DL, Martinez Returns to Majors

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

He said he was fine. He said he could pitch. The numbers (and now the roster) disagreed with him.

Jake Westbrook returned to the 15-day DL today due to a back strain. Apparently, it wasn’t his elbow that was wrong, but watching him pitch, it was clear that something was.

Before going onto the DL for the first time, Jake was leading the league with a 1.62 ERA and posting a 2-1 record. Since coming back, he’s had a 5.97 ERA and has gone 6-7.

In August, Westbrook’s struggles peaked. He’s given up no fewer than five runs in a start and has an ERA of 10.29. He’s 0-3 and his opponents batting average is an astonishing .374.

Hopefully, another trip to the DL will get Westbrook right, and we can look forward to seeing him look like he did in May in September.

In the meantime, Carlos Martinez has returned to the big leagues yet again! Martinez is taking Jake’s roster spot for the time being.

Carlos has had his struggles in the majors, and has a 6.19 ERA. He’s done well in the minors, however, posting a 2.60 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 72.2 innings, and is listed as the Cardinals number 3 prospect.

The Cardinals’ organization has yet to announce who will be pitching in Westbrook’s spot against the Reds on Monday.

UPDATE: Tyler Lyons will be pitching in Westbrook’s place Monday night.