By Chris Brown – STL Baseball Today

Just as recently as a few months ago it appeared this season would likely be Jaime Garcia’s last in a Cardinals uniform. After making just seven starts last year, Garcia opened the 2015 season on the DL with continued discomfort in his surgically-repaired left shoulder.

However, since joining the Cardinals’ rotation on May 21, Garcia has been nothing short of ace-like while on the mound, pitching to a 1.77 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with a 46/17 strikeout/walk ratio over 66 innings.

Although the 29-year-old lefty was sidelined for most of July – due to a groin strain – Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak indicated to KMOX on Sunday that the club is now likely to exercise Garcia’s $11.5 million club option for 2016.

“Based on Garcia’s recent throwing, it will be hard not to bring him back,” the GM said prior to the team’s series finale in Milwaukee.

Garcia, who has not made more than ten starts in a season since 2012, owns a 3.32 career ERA and also has a $12 million club option for the 2017 season.

 

Featured image used under Creative Commons from Barbara Moore. No changes made. Image License.