Tagged: DL

Cardinals Slide ~ But Not Out of The Picture ….

The Cardinals had a chance to hold only 7 back of the Reds and increase their lead over the Pirates….but, all good things come to those who wait??!!  Maybe, maybe not and don’t believe the Cardinals have too much waiting time left.  The Pirates took two of the three game series with two shutouts over the Cardinals.  Still….the Pirates are 1 back, followed by the Dodgers 1.5 in the Wild Card race. So, the Cardinals still have a tad of breathing room but much ground to make up, even though holding for the moment.

In Tuesday’s game ~ Cardinals C Yadier Molina was taken out with a power hit by Pirates Harrison while guarding home plate – leaving him dazed and down for a moment or two….but being the player Molina is ~ hung on to the ball.  Unfortunately, the collision at home plate left Molina with a strained upper back. However, the “train wreck” could have been far worse.  Fighting an ankle injury sustained in one of the games against the Astros, Molina may be able to rest both and to be back in the near future. Right now, he is listed on the day-to-day DL.  In Monday’s game, CF McCutchen got caught up in the soggy turf, twisting his right ankle….but seemingly was able to walk it off.  Two very good and respected players in their own right.  Two very good players that neither team would want to go without for any length of time.

In consideration of what transpired during the series between the Pirates and the Cardinals, I took a look at our overall picture.

Back in the early months of the season, by May 30, we had 188 players listed on the DL ranging from day-to-day, 15 & 60 day and some would not be returning this season.  Now, we are looking to September ~ October playoffs to the World Series. From mid-August to date, 62 players have been placed on the DL.

Those teams which have a stake, currently, at a Wild Card bid and/or playoffs … leading in the standings …. in addition to the Cardinals, with team members on the DL:

  • Atlanta Braves – P Ben Sheets, Rt. shoulder inflammation (15 day)
  • Baltimore Orioles – C Matt Wieters, Rt. shoulder contusion (d-to-d)
  • Chicago White Sox – P Gavin Floyd, Rt. elbow flexor strain (15 day)
  •                                       LF Dayan Viciedo, Rt. shoulder soreness (d-to-d)
  • LA Dodgers – CF Matt Kemp, Rt. knee contusion (d-to-d)
  •                          P Scott Ekbert, Left elbow inflammation (15 day)
  •                          P Chad Billingsley, Rt. elbow pain (15 day)
  • NY Yankess – P Ivan Nova, Rt. shoulder tightness (15 day)
  • Oakland A’s – P Jordan Norberto, Left shoulder tendinitis (15 day)
  • Pittsburgh Pirates – 2B Neil Walker, Lower back stiffness (d-to-d)
  •                           P Chad Qualls, Left toe sprain (15 day)
  •                           LF Starling Marte, Strained rt. oblique (15 day)
  • San Francisco Giants – P Clay Hensley, Strained rt. groin (15 day)
  •                                            CF Justin Christian, Sprained left wrist (15 day)
  • Texas Rangers – RF Nelson Cruz, Bruised left elbow (d-to-d)
  • Washington Nationals – SS Ian Desmond, Strained rt. hamstring (d-to-d)
  •                                              RF Michael Morse, Rt. hand contusion (d-to-d)

Interesting to note ~ there are three teams without injuries…Brewers, Cubs and the Reds.

We don’t like to see or hear about any player on the DL, but in sports ~ it happens and a team must overcome the pains of the injured.  I don’t know if Molina’s situation made that much difference for the Cardinals, because the Pirates are a strong team….but seemingly, the Cardinals did nothing after that point of contact.   The Pirates two wins over the Cardinals have put them back on track to overtake the Cardinals once again ~ “IF” the Cardinals don’t become more consistant putting wins on the board.

New news for the Cardinals ~ no, it’s not….but the bottom line is ~ the players have to commit to making a difference each and every game.  The time of some wins here, some wins there, is over.  The proof of their strength will soon be at hand….or not.

To all have a great evening.  The Cardinals begin their four game series against the Nationals in Nationals Park.  Will Strasburg be on the mound during their series?  Time will tell.  Tonight will be Cardinals Garcia (3-5/4.15) against Nationals Jackson (7-9/3.72).  Once again the Cardinals find themselves in a “must win” situation.  Are they up for the task….

To all ~ enjoy your games.  Always, Elichap

The St. Louis Cardinals ~ on a Teeter-Totter

For the St. Louis Cardinal’s last six out of their seven games, they have been at .500. Last night’s rally put them one above for the seven day stretch with a win over the Brewers, 9-3, at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals have also faced problems offensively in their close games within one or two runs behind ~ putting themselves over the top has escaped them to make a difference in their win column all season. Right now the Cards are looking at a wild card spot with being 3.5 games out behind the Braves and the Pirates. With their win last night did help their cause along with the Reds shutting out the Pirates, 3-0. But they need to begin putting more “W’s” ~ overcoming those close games in addition to the impressive large run leads ~ on the board to be assured of a spot in the playoffs come this fall….even a wild card spot.

Cardinals SP Joe Kelly fought his way back in last night’s win. However, he gave up 3 runs before settling in and taking control in the 5 2/3 innings. Even though, he did give up 10 hits. His last win was June 22nd against the Royals. Kelly has pitched some very good games despite his 2-4 record. In three of the four losses, the offense did not play strong enough…and the relief pitching was lacking to help better his record. Even though, the offense came to the rescue for Kelly last night. RBI’s by Freese, Descalso (2), Furcal, Holliday and even Kelly had an RBI to add to his success last night. RP Jose Mujica, recently picked up by the Cardinals from the Marlins, was added to the mix and proved himself for the one inning he was on the mound. CP Rzepczynski got the save and handed Kelly his win. Brewer’s SP Randy Wolf had his problems too ~ allowing 5 runs on 9 hits during 5 1/3 innings. For last night ~ the overall pitching from Kelly, the relievers, offense at the plate, and taking advantage of three errors on the part of the Brewers ~ playing a solid game all around.

Tonight’s match-up with be Cardinals SP Wainwright against Brewer’s SP Mark Rogers. As we have become accustom to with the Cardinals…they are not a “sweep” team ~ so, the Brewers still have hope for at least one win … possibly two. “On any given day” ~ we do not have a crystal ball to the outcome. However, I sure would enjoy bringing out the broom for the Cardinals. As rare as it has been, would be nice to see.

Was good to see Molina behind the plate, with an injury to his right thumb Wednesday ~ after examination, only bruised and didn’t seem to be an issue for him last night. Furcal is working through his back discomfort, but his doing his best for the team. Berkman ~ back on the 15 day DL due to straining his right knee after having recent surgery … found the knee still a bit weak. I have not read where he will be sent down for rehab….but he did admit, it’s just not as strong as it needs to be.

So fans ~ enjoy your games today.  Have a great day! Always ~ Elichap

St. Louis Cardinals Take Game 3 in 12

As much as Cardinals SP Wainwright was the man of the game on Tuesday, SS Furcal was the hero in last night’s game, to take the second of three games so far, in this 4 game series with the L.A. Dodgers in St. Louis.

The pitching was basically a pitch-off by Cardinals Lohse and Dodger’s Harang. Both pitched seven innings, with Harang .1 into the eighth. Lohse allowed 7 hits to Harang’s two, each had 2 runs, and each had two errors on their stat sheet.  Lohse had no walks, and only 4 strike-outs. Harang ~ 4 walks and 8 strike-outs. By the end of the ninth inning ~ tied score, 2-2. Now …. into extra innings…with relief pitchers keeping things pretty quiet on the field.  Player’s trying to stay focused, while continuing to contend with the extreme temps on the field, the Cardinals found a way to get them all out of the heat. With Dodger’s RP J. Wright coming in the latter part of the eleventh, he kept the Cardinals to one hit.  However,Wright’s pitching in the bottom of the twelveth turned out a bit different than he wanted.  I do believe the Cardinals had enough, and were ready to get off that extremely hot field …. it’s now or never.  Cardinals catcher Molina first at bat ~ grounded out to SS, over FB Loney = out #1.  Lance Berkman has been on the day-to-day DL since Tuesday night’s game ~ being hit by a pitch from Kershaw during the third inning.  Kershaw’s pitch hit Berkman right on his right knee, which he had surgery on in May.  He  just recently returned to the line-up from an extended stay on the DL. So ~ in a modest but very important role, we have Berkman pinch-hitting for Salas.  Wright walks Berkman.  SP Joe Kelly steps in as pinch-runner for Berkman (all in a day’s work ~ someone is keeping track of who’s on first, etc!!).  Cardinals’ 2B Schumaker, strikes out ~ #2. Are the fans who remained in their seats ~ going to stay til the end?  Fortunately, their wait was not long.  Matt Carpenter up ~ hits a single to center sending Kelly to 2nd. Now Furcal ~ not doing a great deal offensively during the course of the evening ~ may have been thinking at that moment at the plate…now!  Furcal hits a single to left field with Kelly scoring the walk-off run for the night. Cardinals take the win, 3-2!  That’s their second straight in this four game series, Dodger’s took the first game.  For last night’s victory, SP Lohse gets the win and CP Salas the save.

But, the hopes of the Dodger’s was getting Hanley Ramirez on board ~ just in from the Marlins ~ to help boost the Dodger’s to a win.  “Ramirez, traded from Miami earlier in the day, went 2 for 4 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored in his debut, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Dodgers in a 3-2, 12-inning loss to the Cardinals.” But the Cardinals and the Dodgers have one last game to be played ~ which should be starting here in just a bit this afternoon; and, not quite as smoldering as the past 3 days have been.  Cardinals SP Westbrook, 8-8/.360 will go against Dodger’s SP Capuano, 10-5/.281.  So, as the Cards are looking to take 3 out of 4 games….the Dodger’s are looking to split. I’m sure the Dodger’s are happy H. Ramirez is now in Blue….he will have his time in the limelight…. he’s adjusting to the 3B position instead of SS ~ doing what he can to help his new team. However, St. Louis Cardinal fans are hoping that all his expertise is saved for their home crowd….or, at least …. out of St. Louis.

You all enjoy your games this afternoon and evening!  Always ~ Elichap

MLB ~ Update On The DL Around The League

In the first half of the season for major league baseball ~ we had an incredible 184 players from our 30 teams listed on the DL for one injury or another ~ some have returned, others remain and some added since. We enter the second half ~ but, our numbers have grown slightly on the MLB DL to 188. However, the good news is ~ out of that number, we will see 107 players returning for “duty” between now and the end of the month. Projected for August, there will another 20 coming back to the active roster. Leaving 61 players ~ 43 of the total are out for the season, 18 out with no date indicated for return, but are to begin rehab. Five players listed on the DL were suspensions due to “stupidity in a personal choice of action” ~ to return in July should be Marlin’s RP Juan Oviedo and Rockies C Eliezer Alfonzo. In August off the “suspended” category, we should see Red Sox CF Marlon Byrd, Phillies 2B Freddie Galvis and Giants RP Guillerrno Mota.

Within our 30 teams ~ the Boston Red Sox (45-44) has over half their roster on the DL with 13 players, and not fairing so well as they are gracing the basement level in the AL East. Next highest missing are for the NL West Padres (36-54), who have 12 and treading to stay out of the basement of their division. In the NL East, the Phillies (39-51) have 8, on the lower rung of that division’s ladder. However, at the top of the NL East, we have the Nationals (51-35) have seven. So for the Nationals ~ does that indicate they have a great bench, great Triple A to chose from…or those still active have just overcome the obstacles. Whatever the reason, they have truly been impressive this season.

The Red Sox do have seven of their players scheduled to return this month. The Padres have eight. The Phillies have four to return which includes SP Roy Halladay. Will those returning help get their teams back on track? They can only hope for the best. The Nationals will see three return, one of which is RF Jayson Werth ~ but his return is questionable even by the end of July. Even though, as mentioned ~ the Nationals have overcome without his excellent contributions, along with the others who have been absent.

So injuries continue to plague major league baseball ~ and for those to return…can they stay healthy throughout the second half.  The schedule officially got underway this past Friday ~ one game at a time.

Everyone have a great day! Always ~ Elichap

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/injuries