MLB Rumors: Bryce Harper bat signal, Mike Soroka’s concerning start, end of Adam Wainwright

MLB Rumors: Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright is getting too old for this

Just a few days after Adam Wainwright swore he would prove his doubters wrong, the St. Louis Cardinals pitcher delivered….a decent game. Nothing to write home about.

On Sunday in his rehab start for Triple-A Memphis, Wainwright gave up four earned runs on seven hits in 5.2 innings, though he did notch nine strikeouts.

In the second inning, Wainwright surrendered a three-run homer that killed his stat line, and a quick scroll through Twitter comments revealed many dissatisfied fans.

“If he’s giving up 4 runs in 5 and some change, he’s gonna have a hard time in the big leagues.”

“Great leader but time not on his side any longer as a pitcher!”

And, sarcastically: “$17 million well spent.”

Wainwright’s 89 mph recorded velocity was higher than was previously reported, but by and large the 41-year-old may be running out of time in St. Louis.

After suffering a groin injury that delayed his season debut, he hasn’t particularly impressed in his rehab outings. He looked much better on Sunday compared to his other starts at Double-A Springfield and could theoretically still become a reliable arm in the Cards’ 2023 rotation, yet fans are rightfully worried about his sustainability issues.

If Wainwright does rejoin the team in this weekend’s upcoming series against the Tigers, expect St. Louis to move Jake Woodford or Steven Matz to the bullpen to make room for the veteran pitcher.