Will Jaime Garcia be healthy for Cardinals?

The question on the minds of many St. Louis Cardinals fans has to do with the pitching staff.

Namely, will Jaime Garcia be ready to go on Thursday when his team faces the San Diego Padres?

Garcia was supposed to play the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, but the Cardinal starter still had some groin issues to deal with so manager Mike Matheny scratched him.

More from Redbird Rants

• Cardinals Rumors: 3 pros and cons of signing Carlos Rodon
• What’s next for the St. Louis Cardinals after Contreras signing?
• Report: Cardinals Emerge As Mystery Team for Carlos Rodon
• Cardinals: Trade targets after signing Willson Contreras
• Reflecting on the 2013 Cardinals’ top 30 prospects

Granted, the Cardinals don’t need to rush Garcia back. The team does have a 51-24 record to start the season, so it can be content with a rotation that includes Michael Wacha, Lance Lynn, John Lackey and Carlos Martinez. If the team has to plug another fifth starter in, Matheny will do it.

Garcia has been flying under the radar screen as of late, with a 3-3 record and a 1.69 ERA, but when he is on Garcia is one of the unstoppable pitchers.

If Garcia can’t go, Tim Cooney could be called upon to pitch, but Cooney has shown signs that he needs much more seasoning in Triple-A. This is understandable. Even the average Cardinals fan knows an emergency starter just pulled up from the minors may face some issues.

Keep an eye on the next couple days. If Garcia’s groin heals nicely, then he should be all ready. If not, there will be no harm to sit for him for another turn.