Wednesday, a release was issued by the St. Louis Cardinals in regards to having to place right-hander Jason Motte on the 15-day disabled list specifically due to an injury that Motte sustained to his right shoulder.  More specifically, the injury was referred to as an AC sprain.

The 28-year-old first felt something wrong in his shoulder Monday night at which time he reported the discomfort to the team’s training staff but did not express his pain to the coaching staff.  The right-handed pitcher pitched the seventh inning and then the eight, but only after receiving heat on his right shoulder to help relieve the discomfort that he was feeling. However, the pain showed during the eight inning as he didn’t pitch nearly as well as he did previously.   

An MRI was scheduled to take place Tuesday, which revealed no serious problems with Motte’s right shoulder.  Therefore, Motte is only expected to be off the field for just a few days while the discomfort eases.

This injury and placement on the DL is a huge blow to the Cardinals’ bullpen.  Motte is currently 3-2 with an earned run average of 2.70.  He has recorded 42 strikeouts, 16 walks, and 2 saves during 43 1/3 innings.

To take Motte’s place on the roster, the Cardinals recalled right-handed Fernando Salas from AAA Memphis.  25-year-old Salas will join the Major Leagues for the fifth time this MLB season.  During his 10 appearances in which he pitched 11 2/3 innings, Salas has recorded nine strikeouts as well as four walks – with an earned run average of 2.31.  Salas is probably the best replacement that they could have recalled for Motte as he is known to be one of the hardest and fastest throwing pitchers.

Apart from Motte, St. Louis has five other players on the disabled list including three pitchers – Kyle Lohse, Brad Penny, and Adam Ottavino – as well as two infielders – Tyler Greene and David Freese.

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