pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
Flaherty would prefer it to be here but his next rehab start will be in Memphis
Right-hander recovering from shoulder issues says he feels the best he's felt in three years after throwing a bullpen session at Busch.
www.stltoday.com
Rick Hummel
Sweat dripping after a bullpen session on a muggy Sunday at Busch Stadium, right-hander Jack Flaherty reminded reporters that starts have been scripted for Cardinals pitchers that called for low pitch counts, perhaps even lower than the 58 pitches he threw in a rehab start on Wednesday in Memphis and certainly fewer than the 75 he might throw in his next start.
Flaherty made it clear Sunday that he hoped that next start, which, indeed, will be on Wednesday, would be at Busch Stadium. Manager Oliver Marmol made it equally clear those 75 pitches will be tossed at Memphis.
“He is ready to go,” said Marmol, echoing Flaherty’s sentiments. “And that’s Jack. He’s ultra-competitive. He’s dying to help us win, which is why I love him.”
Flaherty, who has been out all season as he heals from shoulder bursitis, last started for the Cardinals on Aug. 24.
“We want to make sure we get it right,” Marmol said, “and that he’s with us all the way through the playoffs.”
Marmol, likewise, made it clear that Flaherty, who also suffered an oblique strain a year ago May, had been in complete collaboration with the medical staff in his recovery.
“We want him as back as soon as possible,” Marmol said, “but we also want him here the entire time. He’s been fighting hard to be here now.”