The unusual injury to their highest-profile young hurler also comes at a time shortly after the Cardinals changed their medical officials. The team has entered into an agreement and business relationship with Mercy that also makes Mercy the official medical provider for the club.

Mozeliak stressed last week that “this is a new medical staff, a new process.” Players are protected by federal laws when it comes to the disclosure of their injuries and treatments, though major league clubs do designate officials to comment on injuries. The Cardinals have designated Mozeliak and Matheny as those spokesmen.

SHOULDER FATIGUE

Wacha felt what he called fatigue and has subsequently been described as irritation in his right shoulder for four or five starts before going on the DL. The crispness of his pitches flagged and during a start against Tampa Bay, the righty did not have a strikeout while appearing uncomfortable. The Cardinals scheduled him a rest.

They also scheduled him a MRI.