Cardinals Ace Martinez Placed on the Disabled List

photo: Carlos Martinez (Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports Images)

St. Louis Cardinals press release

Mike Mayers (Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports)

The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to tonight’s (Thursday’s) game that they have placed right-handed pitcher Carlos Martínez  (right lat strain) on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to May 9, and recalled right-handed pitcher Mike Mayers from the Memphis Redbirds (AAA).

Martínez, who is currently leading the National League with his 1.62 ERA, worked 5.0 innings in his start on Tuesday vs. Minnesota, taking a 7-1 loss, his first defeat in seven starts dating back to Opening Day.  Martínez has posted a 3-2 mark in his eight starts and leads the Cardinals staff with his 50.0 IP and 47 strikeouts.

Mayers was optioned on Monday after he had gained the win with 3.0 innings of relief vs. the Cubs in Sunday night’s 14-inning affair.  Mayers is 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA and one save in his five relief appearances (9.2 IP) for the Cardinals this season.


Carlos Martinez (Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports)

Brian Walton’s take

This is the 10th day of May and the sixth of those which included roster moves by St. Louis.

According to reports, Martinez reported shoulder soreness Tuesday, which led to an MRI. The club apparently considers the lat strain to be mild, causing him to miss only one start.

Even before the DL move, the Cardinals had not announced their starter for the finale of the San Diego series on Sunday. That would have been Martinez’ turn on normal rest. It is not an understatement to note the Cardinals have considerable flexibility, however.

A prime option is Adam Wainwright, who has already thrown one rehab start in Springfield. John Gant also remains with the Cardinals, and finally Jack Flaherty could go. The latter threw 113 pitches for Memphis in a 13-strikeout performance on Wednesday afternoon.

Memphis, which was already down one player, did not immediately receive a replacement for Mayers on its active roster. However, the Cardinals did shift reliever Brett Cecil’s rehab from Springfield to Memphis after just one Double-A appearance. The left-hander does not count against Memphis’ 25 active player limit.


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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.

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