Cardinals: Will Jack Flaherty pitch in Wild Card game?
St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Shildt offers update on return of pitcher Jack Flaherty in Oct. 6 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cardinals have made it all the way to the playoffs without injury-ridden pitcher Jack Flaherty, but it looks like St. Louis fans will be treated to the pitching talent’s performance in October after all.
Flaherty, who has spent much of the 2021 season recovering from several severe injuries, will be available in the bullpen for tomorrow night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, per Bill Plunkett for the Orange County Register.
#Cardinals Mike Shildt said RHP Jack Flaherty will be available in the bullpen tomorrow and his potential use is "fluid." Flaherty has a 1.50 ERA in 30 career IP v #Dodgers but has had oblique and shoulder injuries this year. 2 1/3 IP over last month
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) October 5, 2021
Cardinals manager Mike Shildt described Flaherty’s use as “fluid” as the Cardinals alternate between the options in their bullpen. Adam Wainwright is expected to start, with Jon Lester and Miles Mikolas falling behind him.
Cardinals: Will Jack Flaherty pitch in Wild Card game?
Flaherty was the Cardinals’ starter on Opening Day, but an oblique strain benched him for the better part of two months. When Flaherty finally returned in August, he only played for three games before he was sidelined with a shoulder injury on Aug. 25.
Reflecting on the season, Flaherty discussed how he’s supported his team all year — although he admitted he watched more games than desired as he awaited his return to the mound.
Jack Flaherty: "These guys have not stopped fighting. ... I've watched a lot more games this year than I wanted to, but it's been fun to watch these guys continue to fight."#STLCards pic.twitter.com/BSuvH4JfkI
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) September 29, 2021
As Flaherty eases into playoff mode, Wainwright remains a strong pitcher to hold it down for the Cardinals in their first game. According to a DraftKings analysis of the two NL Wild Card pitchers, Wainwright enters the matchup a strong playoff pitcher set to give the Dodgers a challenge at the plate.
"“Wainwright enters the postseason as one of the more seasoned vets to take the mound in October. Over his career, the 40-year-old has a phenomenal record in the postseason at 28-15 with a 2.89 ERA. This season, Wainwright turned back the clock and delivered one of his best seasons in recent memory with a 17-7 record and 3.05 ERA in 32 starts.”"
It’s a key development as this historic Cardinals team takes on the 2020 World Champions at home in Dodgers Stadium.
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