CHICAGO -- Kevin Siegrist's mid-inning exit in the eighth was more precautionary than injury-related, manager Mike Matheny said after the Cardinals' 6-4 win over the Cubs on Sunday.
Siegrist said that he has been bothered by "a deadish feeling" in his throwing arm on and off since returning from the disabled list just after the All-Star break. While the issue isn't expected to sideline the setup reliever for long, it was something that the Cardinals have been monitoring.
Before the game, Matheny told catcher Yadier Molina to be extra vigilant in watching Siegrist's mannerisms on the mound. When Molina saw Siegrist shaking his left arm after throwing his eighth pitch of the eighth inning, he went for a visit. Matheny and a team athletic trainer soon followed, and, despite Siegrist's plea to continue, his day ended there.
"It wasn't worth [continuing] at that point," Siegrist acknowledged afterward. "I was shaking my arm out a little bit, really trying to get it going. It's been hard coming back from being on the DL and trying to get my arm back in shape. I kind of went through a little dead arm type feeling, and it's been hit or miss. Today it wasn't feeling very good."
Seunghwan Oh relieved Siegrist and converted the five-out save with ease.

Siegrist, who has made 50 appearances this season, led the Majors with 81 a year ago. The Cardinals have been cognizant of his workload and therefore extra sensitive regarding any unusual soreness he's been feeling.
Matheny said he's hopeful that the team's three scheduled off days over an eight-day span will give Siegrist time enough to recharge.