Cardinals get news on Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina

The St. Louis Cardinals have been the best team in baseball all season long. Sitting here on Sept. 21, the Cardinals have 93 wins and are rolling toward both the National League Central title and home-field advantage in the NL playoffs. However, nes is flying out of St. Louis that could rock the playoff picture.

Molina was hurt last week and after seeing doctors on Monday, it has been determined that Molina will at least miss a week and likely the rest of the regular season, per multiple reports. The real question is whether Molina can get back into the starting lineup before the playoffs begin in the second week of October.

Outside of an ace on the pitching staff, perhaps no player is more valuable to his team than Molina is to the Cardinals. This year, Molina is hitting .270 with four home runs and 61 RBI. However, Molina’s value is mostly found in his defense and ability to handle the pitching staff. Molina’s presence shuts down the running game, something evidenced by seven gold gloves.

Meanwhile, Adam Wainwright coming back to active duty would be incredible. Wainwright would not be able to start in the postseason because he will not have a chance to stretch out his arm, but going into the bullpen and giving quality innings is certainly within reason. Wainwright was hurt this April at Miller Park against the Milwaukee Brewers when he tore his Achilles. Of course, Wainwright has been a very valuable piece out of the bullpen in the past, helping St. Louis win the World Series in 2006.