Tony LaRussa crumpled up the sheet of paper that read the diagnosis of Jason Isringhausen’s injury and then stated, "the hero stuff doesn’t work here." LaRussa was obviously frustrated by the news of Isrinhausen’s injury.
An MRI exam revealed right elbow tendonitis and a partial tendon tear in his flexor group. No ligament damage was found, Team doctors prescribed rest and there is currently no set time table for his return to throwing, but it is all but certain that Izzy is done for the year.
LaRussa made his comments following a lackluster 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh and eluded to the fact, while watching his words carefully, that Isringhausen may not have been completely upfront with his injury troubles and instead of coming to the team tried to play through his trouble.
Just as LaRussa is saying this team needs to put together a streak to make a push for the Wild Card, he’ll be getting the services of another pitcher…Adam Wainwright. Wainwright threw yesterday and told a group of reporters he was ready to pitch and it was his preference that he start, but would do anything to help the team. Why not become the closer again?
Wainwright was the closer in the 2006 post-season on their way to a World Series Championship. That year he was 1-0 with three saves, no ERA and 15 strikeouts in 9.2 innings in the playoffs. One area that has hurt this team has been the closer position. Between Isringhausen and Ryan Franklin, they have blown just as many games as they have saved ballgames (26).
Whether or not the Cardinals get Chris Carpenter should not be a factor as to whether or not the team uses Wainwright as a starter. Looper and Lohse continue to pitch well and the offense is going to score runs. The Cardinals need someone who can finish the game off.
Listen to LaRussa as he gets aggravated when talking about Isringhausen
Download/listen to LaRussa on Izzy (mp3)
