Grim news came for St. Louis Cardinals fans Tuesday as word broke that Chris Carpenter may not be returning this season--if ever.
Carpenter, who helped the Cards win World Series titles in 2006 and 2011, isn't expected back by the Cardinals this season, St. Louis GM John Mozeliak told reporters Tuesday.
"Do I envision Carp returning?" Mozeliak said when asked if Carpenter would come back at an afternoon press conference. "I would say it's very unlikely, so no."
The 2005 NL Cy Young Winner's old nerve injury--which sidelined him for most of last season--re-flared recently, fueling speculation that the 37-year-old three-time MLB All-Star may be forced into retirement.
Carpenter was not in attendance at the press conference, as he was seeking a second opinion and, according to Mozeliak, the emotions for him were still too raw.
Problems began to surface last week prior to Spring Training, when Carpenter's vaunted right arm began to feel numb and he began to feel discomfort in his right shoulder and neck area. There was also bruising and discoloration in his right hand.
Only weeks before, Carpenter told the press that he was feeling very good physically and was ready for the 2013 to begin.
"I haven't had any issues with my throwing or anything this year," Carpenter said on Jan. 19. "I feel good. My shoulder feels good. I'm looking forward to getting down there and getting to camp early and get going."
Carpenter will probably be forever known to Cardinals fans for his clutch performances in the playoffs, where he boasts a 10-4 record with a 3.00 ERA in 18 starts.
His highlights include a 1-0 shutout win over Philadelphia ace Roy Halladay in the deciding Game 5 of the 2011 NL Division Series and pitching St. Louis to victory in Game 7 of the 2011 World Series.
Overall, Carpenter has amassed a 144-94 win-loss record on the mound in his 14-year career with a 3.76 ERA and 1,697 career strikeouts.
Carpenter, who is due to earn $12.5 million for the 2013 season, has been down before, having returned from Tommy John surgery in the 2007 season, and shoulder surgery in 2008, but bounced back to post a 17-4 record in 2009 with a 2.24 ERA, the lowest in the National League that season.
His performance earned him NL Comeback Player of the Year honors that season. It remains conceivable that Carpenter might have another comeback in him; but at this point, it looks like St. Louis baseball fans may have to get used to life without No. 29 heading to the mound.
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