St. Louis Cardinals: Adam Wainwright activated, Jack Flaherty optioned

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 03: Jack Flaherty
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 03: Jack Flaherty /
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After posting a terrific start against the Brewers Tuesday night, the St. Louis Cardinals sent Jack Flaherty to Memphis as Adam Wainwright will be coming off of the disabled list.

Everything seemed to be working for St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Jack Flaherty last night in his start against the Milwaukee Brewers. In five innings Flaherty struck out nine batters allowing six hits and one run and walked a batter.This was the best start of Flaherty’s young career, but unfortunately the 22-year old would not walk away with his first career win.

Dominic Leone allowed back-to-back home runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, breaking the hearts of Cardinal Nation.

Now Flaherty will head back to AAA Memphis where he was dominate last season.

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With the Redbirds, Flaherty was 14-4 with an ERA of 2.18 in 25 starts en route to being named the 2017 Minor League Pitcher of the Year in the organization.

As disappointing as it is to see Flaherty go just after his performance last night, this makes the most sense as there is not a spot for him in the rotation with Adam Wainwright‘s return.

Wainwright is returning from a strained left hamstring and will be good to go for the home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks tomorrow night.

The 36-year old Wainwright, who is in the final year of his contract, has struggled over the past two seasons. In 57 games (56 starts) Wainwright has an ERA of 4.81 and has allowed 10.1 hits per nine but has managed to win 25 games.

Occasionally we have seen glimpses of vintage Waino, but they are just that, glimpses. In four starts spanning from May 14-June 1 last season, Wainwright allowed just one run in 26.1 innings and held opposing hitters to a .172 batting average.

But, Wainwright went back off the rails and allowed 9 runs in two of his next three starts against the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles.

Next: Gyorko to the DL, Bader recalled

Wainwright is determined to get things right in what could be his final season, and it all starts tomorrow at 6:15pm CT against the Diamondbacks.