The St. Louis Cardinals lost Adam Wainwright back in April due to a torn Achilles tendon. He's been making significant strides in his recovery process and rumors over the past month or so have indicated the right-hander could make a return this season.
And now the top pitching staff in the MLB could possibly get back their best pitcher by next week.
"Wainwright will meet with doctors to determine the strength of his leg and its readiness for baseball activity. He said after that appointment he and the team will have a better sense of what's realistic," writes Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
"While his bullpen sessions continue to gain in intensity and pitch count, Wainwright has yet to field his position. He must be able to cover first base and get off the mound to field a bunt comfortably and without the risk of further injury for the Cardinals to consider him for game action."
In late August it was said Wainwright was inching closer toward a September return, although it's unclear if he'd come back as a starter or reliever. Either way, the Cardinals would receive a timely boost to their pitching staff as the club is still battling to maintain supremacy in the NL Central. They have the best record in the MLB and lead the Pittsburgh Pirates by four games and Chicago Cubs by seven games in the division.
St. Louis leads the MLB in team ERA (2.86), starters' ERA (3.02) and bullpen ERA (2.54). The addition of Wainwright to either the rotation or bullpen would further improve either unit. The right-hander was 2-1 with a 1.44 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in four starts (25 innings) prior to suffering the injury.
Right now the Cardinals' rotation consists of Lance Lynn, Michael Wacha, John Lackey, Carlos Martinez and Jaime Garcia. Each of those starters have been throwing well this year, so manager Mike Matheny will be tasked with having to figure out where to plug Wainwright in if he is able to return.
Keep in mind the Cardinals lost Jordan Walden for the season due to a shoulder issue, which means Wainwright can help fill that void in the bullpen. Although we're only two weeks into September, the team's rotation and bullpen have their worst ERA this month (5.49 for rotation, 3.83 for bullpen).
Wainwright will be coming back at the right time if he's cleared by team doctors.
