The Cardinals need Adam Wainwright to stay healthy in 2015. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
Less than a week removed from a health scare that led to him returning to Missouri for an exam, St. Louis Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright threw a bullpen session Monday in Jupiter, Fla.
The right-hander made approximately 40 pitches Monday, not throwing at full strength and focusing on his curveball, according to media reports.
Wainwright was diagnosed Thursday with a minor abdominal strain.
“It was good. It was exactly where I wanted to be,” Wainwright told reporters. “My arm feels great. My body is in the perfect position to throw the ball. It’s getting better each time. I don’t throw my bullpens that heavy, that hard through the season. I was very happy with where my pitches were. Kept my balls down — knees and below.”
Manager Mike Matheny said Wainwright would need to be cleared to resume light running before he is permitted to throw to batters. The timetable for Wainwright’s first Grapefruit League appearance is uncertain, but it remains possible that Wainwright will be ready to start the season opener, April 5 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Wainwright, 33, went 20-9 with a 2.38 ERA in 32 regular-season starts last year, then finished 0-1 with a 5.63 ERA in three postseason starts. He underwent arthroscopic right elbow surgery Oct. 24 to have a piece of cartilage trimmed. His arm was at full strength when he reported to camp.
