Free agent pitcher Jake Westbrook had shoulder surgery on his non-throwing arm which won’t affect his off-season throwing. The Cardinals have made it clear they would like to re-sign Westbrook who went 4-4 with a 3.48 ERA in 12 starts since he came to the Cardinals from Cleveland.
A source close to the pitcher told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Westbrook had a minor tear of his labrum on his left shoulder and had the surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, AL.
Westbrook has always been a pitcher that the Cardinals were interested in, back when he was in the Indians rotation with Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia. He finished the season strong with the Cardinals getting a win in three of his four final starts in which his ERA was 2.88 thanks to shutout he pitched against the fading Rockies on October 1st. In that game, Westbrook struck out nine, tying a career high.
Despite the surgery, the Cardinals would like to secure the right-hander. After the World Series, the Cardinals have five days to negotiate a contract before he tests the free agent market.
