ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that closer Jason Motte is dealing with a "mild strain" in his right elbow that will sideline him for a week minimum as the team digs deeper to discover the magnitude of the injury and possible solutions.
Motte last season tied for the lead in the National League with 42 saves — his first season as full-time closer. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, manager Mike Matheny has said Mitchell Boggs will move into the closer's role during Motte’s recovery period.
“Right now it’s going to slow him down,” general manager John Mozeliak told media members in Jupiter, Fla. “We’re certainly going to be aggressive with the rehab. The DL is likely going to happen.”
The flame-throwing righty last pitched on Thursday against the Mets and felt stiffness in his elbow following the game. An MRI later revealed that there was a tear in his joint.
