Spring Training Rumors And News: Two NL Aces Dealing With Early Injuries

Spring training is barely underway, but already two ace-caliber starters are drawing attention for health concerns. Those two are Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke, and St. Louis Cardinals righty Adam Wainwright.

Greinke, who won a career-high 17 games and posted a 2.71 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 2014 scared the Dodgers' faithful with talk of a sore elbow. Last week Greinke received a lubricating injection in his right elbow, but assured fans that it was a routine procedure he has had before. MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reported today that Greinke alleviated fears further by throwing a 23-pitch bullpen session while reporting no discomfort.

The Cardinals are hoping that the abdominal discomfort Wainwright is experiencing is similarly benign. While Wainwright has been able to throw, per The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the pain has limited his workouts. Wainwright has headed to St. Louis to see a specialist.

"It shouldn't effect him at that point, or any more beyond that point," general manager John Mozeliak said. "I would say (the level of concern) is a medium at this point." Mozeliak was careful to avoid calling the injury a sports hernia.

"We want him to see a specialist," Mozeliak said. "So we have a better idea."

In 2014 Wainwright matched his career high for wins, notching 20 for the Cards. His 2.38 ERA was the best of his career, and his home run to fly ball ratio was his lowest ever. His 1.03 WHIP was key as well to keeping the Cardinals elite.

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