CHICAGO -- While still optimistic that he'll pitch again this season, Cardinals reliever Trevor Rosenthal isn't expected to begin a throwing program for another two weeks.
General manager John Mozeliak offered that update on the team's former closer Thursday after sitting down to talk through a rehab plan with Rosenthal. Orthopedist Neal ElAttrache, who gave Rosenthal a platelet-rich plasma injection in his inflamed right shoulder on Aug. 2, suggested that Rosenthal follow that with three weeks of rest.
"Right now, he's just working with our medical staff to get himself to where he feels confident in hitting the go button," Mozeliak said. "I think, obviously, you have to get rid of the general soreness, and you hope the injection accomplishes that. From there, when you begin the throwing program, you'll get a sense of how he reacted to that injection."
Though Rosenthal also complained of forearm discomfort, an MRI of his elbow gave the Cardinals no reason to fear structural issues there. As a result, this rehab work will be focused mostly on strengthening the shoulder.
Before being placed on the DL on July 26, Rosenthal had spent much of the season searching for command. This shutdown came after he had already been removed from the closer's role and at a time when Rosenthal had a 5.13 ERA, 2.040 WHIP and a walk rate of 7.3.
Worth noting
• Jordan Walden, who has been out since late March with a right shoulder strain, could be headed out on a Minor League rehab assignment by the end of next week, Mozeliak said. Walden recently returned to St. Louis to show the medical staff the progress he has made while rehabbing in Texas. He threw multiple side sessions off the mound while there.
• Michael Wacha (right shoulder inflammation) will visit a Chicago-area specialist on Friday for a second opinion on his injury. Wacha said he chose to schedule a visit with this doctor under the advice of his agent.