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Chris Carpenter sees specialists about neck problem
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Chris Carpenter sees specialists about neck problem
Carpenter sees specialists about neck problem

BY JOE STRAUSS | Posted: Friday, March 9, 2012 1:45 pm

[Image: 4f416ec3c3e9c.image.jpg]
Photo by Chris Lee, clee@post-dispatch.com
Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter throws from a mound during Cardinals spring training Feb. 19, 2012, in Jupiter, Fla.

JUPITER, Fla. • Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter said Friday morning that he will remain in pitching limbo until specialists and the team's medical staff have a clearer read on the source of neck discomfort that has plagued him for most of a week.

Carpenter, who had been scheduled to throw a side session Friday, returned to Roger Dean Stadium several hours after leaving camp. He dressed in workout gear but confined his activity to watching batting practice in the outfield of Field 1.

Carpenter briefly attended the minor leagues' first full workout before departing again.

Asked whether doctors were focused on a muscle- or nerve-related cause for his condition, Carpenter said, "Both."

Carpenter declined to provide further specifics about his examination pending consultation between doctors and the club. However, general manager John Mozeliak confirmed that results of nerve testing are being sent to St. Louis for further evaluation. Mozeliak said there are no plans at this time for Carpenter to return to St. Louis for additonal tests.

Mozeliak traveled to Fort Myers this morning to watch Adam Wainwright's first game appearance since undergoing elbow ligament transplant surgery last February. Mozeliak indicated the club would have more to say about Carpenter's condition and any modification to his program this weekend.

Carpenter today disclosed that his discomfort arose following a two-inning, 30-pitch live batting practice session against Cardinals hitters on March 3. He and trainers agreed to cancel a Wednesday side session and left open the possibility of him throwing a Friday bullpen if his condition eased.

Though Carpenter experienced less discomfort Thursday, the club decided to schedule a re-evaluation this morning in lieu of a throw.

The 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner said his discomfort has decreased over the last two days but that he and team have agreement that his program should be suspended until a diagnosis is made.

"With the time we have left in camp, it's best to wait until the rest of the re-evaluation is done," Carpenter said. "I don't think anybody wants me to get back out there [until more is known], not just me."

Carpenter has dealt periodically with nerve issues for much of his term with the Cardinals, most recently in August 2008. Carpenter has undergone nerve-conduction testing similar to what he experienced at that time.

"They need to compare it to past [tests]," Mozeliak said shortly after arriving in Fort Myers. "So that's going to be done by some specialists in St. Louis. We should have a better idea this weekend."

Carpenter repeatedly has pitched with discomfort, even pain in his eight active seasons with the club. Asked if his recent shutdown might suggest an elevated level of pain, he said, "That would be fair." Mozeliak indicated Friday that the current issue is the persistence, rather than the degree of Carpenter's discomfort.

"We have to be patient and understand that it may take a few days before we determine what the future looks like," Mozeliak told reporters.

The club remains circumspect until it receives a more conclusive diagnosis. Most within the organization believe the situation will take on greater urgency if Carpenter is unable to resume his program in a week. For now, Shelby Miller will be allowed to take a second spring start Monday. Manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Derek Lilliquist originally planned for Carpenter to take over Miller's spot in the rotation on Monday.

"Already knowing the type of schedule I was on, there was no need hurrying it," said Carpenter, who termed the recent shutdown as "precautionary."

Matheny chided reporters who pressed the issue in Fort Myers.

"I understand you guys talk about panicking. That's what you guys do," Matheny said. "The job we have around here is not allowing anyone else to do the same thing until it's warranted. Right now, everything is just research. We can't -- at least I don't -- know what initiated it."

Carpenter remained measured about the situation upon returning to camp, noting that enough time remains for him to get back on program and be prepared for the season.

Staff writer Derrick Goold contributed to this report.

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03-09-2012 04:12 PM
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