Siegrist Replaces Wainwright on Cardinals Disabled List

(photo: Kevin Siegrist/Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports Images)

St. Louis Cardinals press release

Adam Wainwright (USA TODAY Sports Images)

The St. Louis Cardinals have activated right-handed pitcher Adam Wainwright from the 10-day disabled list (mid-back) prior to today’s (Sunday’s) 12:10 CT game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark.  In addition, the club placed left-handed pitcher Kevin Siegrist on the 10-day disabled list with left forearm tendinitis.

Wainwright, 35, is making his 21st start of the season today and ranks among National League leaders in wins (11, T7th).  He needs just five strikeouts to reach the 100 strikeout plateau for the eighth time in his career, 2nd-most in Cardinals history behind Bob Gibson (14). Wainwright was placed on the 10-day disabled list on July 25 (retro to July 23) due to mid-back tightness and missed 13 games.  It marked just the fourth time in his career to be disabled.

Siegrist, 28, has appeared in 39 games for St. Louis this season.  He spent time on the disabled list earlier this year (June 23-July 13) with a cervical spine sprain.

Brian Walton’s take

Kevin Siegrist (USA TODAY Sports Images)

The Wainwright side of the transactions was expected. The Siegrist move was not. The lefty last pitched back on Thursday in the closing game of the Milwaukee series and was strong, with a 1-2-3 inning including two strikeouts. One has to wonder why his DL move did not occur sooner and because it is not backdated, it suggests he may be out longer than 10 days.

The Cardinals had nine relievers already, and even after Siegrist’s shelving, three left-handers remain in the bullpen (Brett Cecil, Zach Duke and Tyler Lyons). So from that aspect, Siegrist may not be missed all that much. Left out of the above is Siegrist’s subpar 4.98 ERA this season, compared to his career mark of 3.03.

Given Siegrist’s diminished fastball velocity and results coupled with increasing time out due to injuries, it looks like his heavy early-career use is catching up with him.

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

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