March 1, 2015 by Chris Brown

Wainwright returns to camp, outlines recovery plan

After receiving the “best possible news” regarding pain he felt in his abdominal area following an initial injury returning a weight to the weight rack, ace Adam Wainwright was back at the Cardinals Spring Training facilities Friday morning and outlined his plan regarding his recovery from an abdominal strain.

Wainwright told reporters, including Jenifer Langosch of Cardinals.com and Brian Stull of St. Louis Baseball Weekly, that the report from Dr. Michael Brunt of Washington University in St. Louis was “the news I expected to hear when I went up there,” although he added that ” it’s also relieving to hear it–to know that there isn’t something else in there going on which should cause some concern.”

Wainwright is scheduled to be re-evaluated Monday to seek clearance to throw off a mound. Although his running, fielding, and weight-lifting will likely be limited for a little while, he throwing is not expected to be. From Cardinals.com:

“From what I’ve been told, in four or five days, I can start mixing and matching things that I would normally do slowly until I’m back to 100 percent in a matter of just two weeks,” Wainwright said. “I can continue to build arm strength off the mound and face hitters and all that stuff. And when I’m ready to move laterally and get stuff going, that should be a quick, easy thing. Right now, I can go out there and throw live BP, just don’t field my position. I’m fine with that.”

Despite a soggy day at Roger Dean Stadium, Waino did throw off flat ground for a little while on Friday (photo from Chris Lee of the Post-Dispatch, via Lynden Steele):

Adam Wainwright throws today in the rain at @RDstadium Pic- @pdchris @Cardinals @STLCardsNews @STLCards_Nation pic.twitter.com/llahJfFbXM

— Lynden Steele (@manofsteele) February 27, 2015

Wainwright is hoping to make his first Spring Training start in a few weeks, which would still give him time to make three or four Grapefruit League starts, which he feels will be enough to prepare him for the season. GM John Mozeliak told reporters Friday that three starts probably would be enough for Wainwright to be ready, however “there’s more comfort in four or five.” The Cardinals had already planned to reduce Wainwright’s workload this spring, as the veteran has thrown the most innings among pitchers in the majors over the last two seasons (519 2/3) and is coming off offseason surgery to trim cartilage in his right elbow. Assuming he avoids any setbacks, Wainwright is still likely to take the mound on Opening Day against the new-look division-rival Chicago Cubs.

Good news Cardinal fans. The doc says I’ll still be able to do all my dugout dances in a couple weeks! Thanks for all the prayers! — Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) February 26, 2015