LOS ANGELES -- Cardinals right-handed reliever Seth Maness did not join Triple-A Memphis after all, but instead was placed on the 15-day disabled list after a visit with team orthopedist Dr. Timothy Farley resulted in a diagnosis of right elbow inflammation. The club announced the change in roster move prior to its game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night.
When Maness arrived at Dodger Stadium on Friday, he was informed that the club was optioning him to Triple-A, where he could get the work necessary to fix his eroding mechanics. The 27-year-old right-hander has a 6.39 ERA and 1.97 WHIP over 12 2/3 innings this season.
The velocity on all four of his pitches has been down an average of 2-3 mph this season, but the Cardinals and Maness had repeatedly stressed that he had passed strength tests and was healthy. In fact, before leaving the ballpark on Friday night, Maness, when asked whether his arm was healthy, said: "Yeah, I feel all right."
The Cardinals, nevertheless, changed course and decided to have Maness fly to St. Louis, where he could be seen by a member of the club's medical staff. After getting the results, he was placed on the DL for the first time in his career.
It was not immediately known what Maness' rehab schedule will look like, though he will likely rest for a bit. He will eventually be able to join a Minor League affiliate on a rehab assignment, instead of as a member of that club's roster. That rehab assignment can last up to 30 days.