Hunt and Peck

Carlos Martínez pauses his throwing program - A Hunt and Peck

The righthander will take a two week break.

By lil_scooter93 Feb 19, 2019, 4:00pm EST

Pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training a week ago and full squad practices began on Sunday. Somehow, we already have some injury news:

Carlos Martinez (shoulder) has been removed from the throwing program for two weeks to strengthen area around joint. Now questionable for opening day -- as he won't have enough time to prep as a starter. Re-evaluated March 5 for return to pitcher program. #Cardinals #stlcards
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) February 19, 2019

The good news is, nothing appears to be wrong structurally with Carlos Martínez’s shoulder. It is said to just be a strength issue and the rest is a precaution.

Carlos Martinez’s shoulder strength is an issue here at Cards camp. It’s not where it needs to be. The MRI came out OK though. Carlos will be on a no-throw plan until March 5. He’ll continue to work out though.
— Benjamin Hochman (@hochman) February 19, 2019

It is unclear what this means for Carlos and the Cardinals. According to Martínez, he preparing to start.

Carlos Martinez on his right shoulder injury, which will set him back at least two weeks: "That’s why we’re taking this precaution right now. It’s why we made the decision to stop throwing, because I want to throw 200 innings and I know I can do it again."
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) February 19, 2019

Hopefully this is just a precaution and Carlos will be ready to go after the two-week break. There has been some discussion among fans and media about a potential move to the bullpen, but at the end of the day, Martínez projects as the Cardinals top starter. If he is healthy, that is where he should be.

Unfortunately, that is a significant if right now.