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Last week we were given the news that Carlos Martínez had to take a break from his throwing program. It was a a bit of a blow, but one the Cardinals could absorb. It was really only supposed to set the starter back two weeks. In the meantime, the Cardinals turned to Miles Mikolas to fill in the role as the top starter, giving him the nod for Opening Day on Saturday. It was going to be fine. It was all going to be fine.
It all might still be fine, but it looks a little less fine-r. It started with this news:
Carlos Martinez was not at #Cardinals camp Monday as he sought a second opinion on his shoulder issues. Results to be clearly Tuesday, but team has already prepared for possibility he’ll contribute as a reliever or his throwing program will be delayed. https://t.co/xiWXfkt7xu
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) February 26, 2019
Seeking a second opinion is not exactly what we would call “encouraging news”. It seemed to get even less encouraging with each tweet:
Carlos Martinez’s right arm is now in a sling. Not sure what that means, medically, but this thing is not trending well.
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) February 26, 2019
I guess this helps?
Carlos Martinez is back from second opinion with doctor, as @stltoday first reported overnight. His right arm is in sling — *but* I want to add some background here that a cortisone shot/other treatment could be reason. Clarity is forthcoming after he meets with team officials. https://t.co/KPX98KmTHL
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) February 26, 2019
Finally some clarity of what exactly Carlos was doing:
Carlos Martinez had an injection of platelet-rich plasma and his rehab is slowed by another week, at least, will be re-evaluated March 12 now.
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) February 26, 2019
Based on some very quick research, a Platelet-Rich Plasma injection (PRP) is a process that involves removal of a small amount of the patient’s own blood, which is then spun through a centrifuge - a thing that looks like a tiny merry-go-round inside a tiny upright clothes dryer. This process apparently stirs up the blood and concentrates the platelets. Those platelets are then injected back into the patient’s body near the site of the injury. Easy peasy.
According to what I have read, the process is somewhat popular among elite athletes. Does it work, though? I am not remotely close to being qualified to answer that, but I have asked around those that are. My preliminary research suggests that results are inconclusive at best. Some studies even suggest the treatment offers no significant benefit, at least in “tennis elbow”. I am sure there are some who swear by it and perhaps with more research we might find it does offer some benefits. What I do know for sure is Martínez will be out an additional week to recover from the procedure and, in my professional opinion, that really bites.
what else is going on in baseball...
MLB teams that could surprise in 2019 | MLB.com
MLB late-blooming hitters set to break out | MLB.com
Let’s Check in on Dustin Fowler’s Lawsuit Against the White Sox | FanGraphs Baseball
Aaron Hicks Gets His Bite of the (Big) Apple | FanGraphs Baseball
what the cardinals are up to...
Cardinals Sign Miles Mikolas to Contract Extension | Viva El Birdos
KNOW THINE ENEMY...
the nl central
Reds sign Jose Iglesias to back up shortstop | Red Reporter
Brewers say Jimmy Nelson has ‘very minor setback’ | Brew Crew Ball
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