If the St. Louis Cardinals had hopes of a turnaround in the second half, it was dealt a significant blow on Saturday. Starting pitcher Carlos Martinez is headed to the 10-day disabled list with a right oblique strain.
The 26-year-old pitched on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs right after the All-Star Break. In that outing, he lasted just five innings with seven hits and six runs (five earned) allowed, so it’s possible the oblique strain impacted him during the game.
Carlos Martinez will be going on the DL. Right oblique strain. #stlcards
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) July 21, 2018
It will be a major blow for the Cardinals given the impact their ace has had this season. In 17 starts, Martinez has a 3.39 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 95.2 innings this season.
There is some optimism in St. Louis. Interim manager Mike Shildt is “super optimistic” that Martinez will only miss one start.