St. Louis Cardinals: Paul DeJong, Jack Flaherty and Waino’s Dead Arm

Adam Wainwright

The Cardinals have been telling us that Adam Wainwright is experiencing a ‘”dead arm”.  What is a dead arm?  After a google search, the general consensus is when there is no structural damage in the arm or shoulder, but instead a feeling of fatigue. A period of rest is usually recommended.

Whatever, the exact definition is, the impact on Wainwright has been significant. In August. Wainwright had an 2.50 ERA for the month and a WHIP of 1.059 in 6 starts. Since then, he has a 7.22 ERA and a WHIP of 1.919 in 6 starts.

It could be the 41-year old just needs a rest with a missed start or two. Still, the problem has occurred at an inopportune time for the Cardinals. It’s too late for rest. Consequently,  with the Wild Card round starting on Friday, it’s hard to justify putting Wainwright in the rotation, or even in the bullpen.

For whatever reason, when the problem arose, the Cardinals and Wainwright seemed to think rest wasn’t the answer. They just kept throwing him out there to pitch every five days.

Now Oli Marmol is faced with maybe his most difficult roster decision. Do you keep one of the most beloved player in recent Cardinal history off the postseason roster? Or, since it’s a short series, do you keep him as part of the roster and have him available in the bullpen?

I would be willing to give Wainwright a pass on Sunday’s performance. After all, he had a big role in the pre-game ceremony honoring Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina. It would be understood if that threw him off on his pre-game preparations.

But the problem is his entire month of September. With the Cardinals struggling offensively in the last couple of weeks, putting your best performing starters is the only way to go.

Still, it’s almost unthinkable keeping Waino off the postseason roster. His presence on the bench is invaluable to this Cardinal team.

My call? Keep him on the roster.