Cardinals ace Wainwright out for season with torn Achilles

ST. LOUIS — The tests results were no surprise. Before Adam Wainwright left the field in Milwaukee, the St. Louis Cardinals anticipated they’d be losing their staff ace for the season.

The 33-year-old pitcher will have surgery this week, likely Thursday, because of a completely torn left Achilles tendon. Recovery time is generally 9-to-12 months, and general manager John Mozeliak was “optimistic” the 6-foot-7 right-hander will be ready for spring training.

“Unfortunate news, but not unexpected after what we saw,” Mozeliak said before the Cardinals played Philadelphia. “Given that it’s his left leg, I think we’re optimistic it’ll be sooner rather than later, but as far as this year goes, he’s done.”

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard had a similar injury, sustained on the final out of the 2011 Division Series against St. Louis. Howard missed the first half of the following season.

“Totally been there,” Howard said.

Wainwright was a 20-game winner for the second time in his career last season and was the NL starting pitcher for the 2014 All-Star Game. He was second in the league with 227 innings last season and has twice led the league.

“That’s losing a lot of innings and really good performance and leadership,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “It stinks to see a player of his caliber and character potentially miss a season.”

Wainwright was hurt while batting Saturday in Milwaukee. This is the second major injury of Wainwright’s career following a torn elbow ligament that caused him to miss the 2011 season.

“It’s a test, there’s no question,” manager Mike Matheny said.

Wainwright was not at Busch Stadium on Monday. Mozeliak said the pitcher received multiple medical opinions.

Mozeliak said one of two minor league left-hander, Tyler Lyons and Tim Cooney, will take Wainwright’s rotation turn on Thursday. Marco Gonzales and Jaime Garcia are experienced options for the long term, both coming off injuries.

Cooney, 2-1 with a 3.63 ERA in three starts, was pulled from his scheduled start Monday. Lyons was 1-1 in three starts with a 4.61 ERA.

Gonzales is on the 15-day disabled list at Triple-A Memphis with shoulder tightness and has been cleared to throw on Wednesday. Mozeliak said the 23-year-old Gonzales will have to make at least one minor league start before the team considers recalling him.

Garcia is working his way back from a setback late in spring training and could be ready inside a month. Garcia is trying to return from thoracic outlet surgery to relieve nerve compression.

“Our four starters all have to step up,” Mozeliak said. “I’d like to think any of those four can be THE guy.”

St. Louis has reached the NL Championship Series in each of the last four seasons and began Monday in the NL Central at 12-5.

“It’s not good news today, but it’s not the end of the world, either,” Mozeliak said. “These guys know they can go out and compete and they’re looking forward to that challenge.”

Cardinals outfielder Jason Heyward was out of the starting lineup with what he said was a minor hamstring injury after getting removed from Sunday’s game. He was a career .219 hitter against Phillies starter Cole Hamels with no RBIs in 32 at-bats.

“I feel like we’re very capable, and a very fortunate group to have a pitching staff that can kind of slide in and do their thing,” Heyward said. “I think we’re still going to have a lot of fun and do a lot of good things.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.