“It’s progressing nicely,” said Wainwright, who went down April 25 in Milwaukee while taking the first steps out of the batter’s box after hitting a pop foul.
But is he progressing so quickly that there’s a chance he actually could pitch in September or October? “Absolutely,” he said.
- Rick Hummel, St. Louis Post
As if the St. Louis Cardinals needed a boost, they might get one in September if their ace pitcher's prophesy comes true. Adam Wainwright, who suffered a devastating fluke Achilles tendon injury in late April, could be a factor in the postseason. Or even sooner. According to the St. Louis Post, Wainwright feels good and feels like he could be a factor this year.
With a short six weeks until the major league trade deadline, the addition of Wainwright could be as big as landing any other arm on the trade market. The right-handed pitcher has a career 4-4 record (with 4 saves) and a 3.21 ERA in 21 postseason appearances (14 starts). His experience on the field would be invaluable, as he was the World Series MVP for the Cardinals 2006 title in a closing role, then missed the 2011 World Series with an injury (a second Cardinals title). Wainwright has finished in the Top 3 of the National League Cy Young Award voting four of the last five seasons in which he pitched.
The Cardinals' 43 wins through June 17 are five better than any other team and they own a six game lead over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League central. The team will be in the September pennant race barring a complete collapse, so his return at any point could be a difference. The Cardinals are loaded with young talent and presumably have salary room to make a move via trade. But they would prefer to just make a move of activating Wainwright off the DL. We will see if their ace's optimism is founded.