St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jordan Walden was diagnosed with a Grade 2 lat strain on Sunday.
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Walden Out ‘A Few Months’
Sunday, April 3
MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch reported the news from Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, who provided the estimated timeline for Walden’s return.
Injury has plagued Walden since he joined the Cardinals in a November 2014 trade from the Atlanta Braves. The 28-year-old had a nagging right rotator cuff issue and was on the disabled list in 2015 due to biceps inflammation.
After pitching in only 12 games last season, it appears St. Louis will be without its capable reliever for a prolonged period of time.
The Cardinals do have a loaded pitching rotation that finished first in quality starts last season, and their bullpen helped the club finish first in team ERA (2.94). Walden would make St. Louis’ pitching even better based on 2015’s small sample size, when he posted a stellar 0.87 ERA.
With a fastball that can hover near triple digits on the radar gun and a biting slider, Walden is a dynamic force on the mound who towers at 6’5″ and 250 pounds. His presence can’t be imitated, but the Cardinals have grown accustomed to winning without him.
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