Adam Wainwright Diagnosis: Pitcher has Abdominal Strain

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright has been diagnosed with an abdominal strain, sidelining him for only 4-5 days.

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All things considered, the St. Louis Cardinals dodged a bullet on this one as it could have been much worse.

“Based on all the different studies and what the doctor saw, he feels that this is probably the best news we could have gotten,” general manager John Mozeliak told the media. “My understanding is he’s still going to be able to throw, so it shouldn’t change the start of the season outlook at this point. But time will tell.”

While Wainwright is set to return on Friday, the Cardinals plan to take it easy with their staff ace.

“I think we can take the foot off the gas a little bit on the bullpen session,” Mozeliak said today. “But we’ll get with Mike Matheny and Derek Lilliquist and discuss what that strategy looks like in conjunction with the medical staff.”

Both Wainwright and Mozeliak are feeling relieved about the diagnosis. However, the downside is that Wainwright probably won’t get to make his ideal four to five starts during Spring Training. Making three starts in Grapefruit League action could be a reach to get Wainright ready in time for the season opener.

Dr. Michael Brunt, a specialist at Washington University, was able to rule out a sports hernia or other serious injury after Wainwright was sent to St. Louis for testing.

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