Wacha improving, but won't be on NLCS roster
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ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals' preparations to face the Nationals in the National League Championship Series will not include any major roster changes.
Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said during Thursday’s workout at Busch Stadium that he’s confident his club's 25-man roster will be the same as it was in the NL Division Series. That means no room for reliever John Gant on the roster and having three left-handed pitchers -- Andrew Miller, Tyler Webb and Génesis Cabrera -- in the bullpen.
| Game | Date | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gm 1 | Oct. 11 | WSH 2, STL 0 | Watch |
| Gm 2 | Oct. 12 | WSH 3, STL 1 | Watch |
| Gm 3 | Oct. 14 | WSH 8, STL 1 | Watch |
| Gm 4 | Oct. 15 | WSH 7, STL 4 | Watch |
Shop for postseason gear: It also means that Michael Wacha will miss out as he recovers from a right shoulder strain suffered on Sept. 25. Wacha has been increasing the intensity of his bullpen sessions over the past few days, but he’s still in the build-up phase of his recovery. The right-hander said on Tuesday that he believed he would be ready for the NLCS, but Shildt said he doesn’t want to compromise Wacha’s health or the Cardinals’ pitching options. Wacha would likely be an injury replacement later in the series if another St. Louis hurler gets hurt.
“The great news is [Wacha] threw a very aggressive bullpen [Wednesday], but it's just going to be difficult based on the time to get him in a spot where he can be on the roster potentially,” Shildt said. “But the good news for Michael, from just a physical standpoint, is he's in a good place. We'll ramp up his activity as we go and create an opportunity if it's there for him.”
Shildt apologizes for language
Shildt opened his off-day press conference with an apology for the expletive-laden language he used Wednesday in a private, postgame speech to the team that was broadcast live on Instagram by rookie Randy Arozarena and shared across social media.
“Yesterday, I got the great opportunity to have a moment with our team that is private, or should have been private, and make sure they knew how proud of the accomplishments they had and moving forward,” Shildt said. “I apologize if my language offended anyone. It’s not something I like to represent. It’s not to be excused that it was supposed to be a private moment.
“But I will say I’m flawed. I have my moments. I grew up in a clubhouse, and one of the crosses I bear is my language. I’ve done a nice job over the years of curving that and trying to represent this organization and myself in a positive light with class and dignity. I’ve felt like I’ve always done that.”
Shildt said the language he used was regrettable, but he would not apologize for the passion he showed for his team and its accomplishments after beating the Braves in Game 5 of the NLDS. He also said that Arozarena -- who put out an apology in Spanish on Instagram later Wednesday night -- will receive the benefit of the doubt for the mistake of sharing the video.
“He was just excited,” Shildt said. “He’s a great kid with a great heart, and like I said, grace moving forward for him.”
Blues hoping to make Game 3
Just a few months ago, the St. Louis Blues were making their run at the organization’s first Stanley Cup championship. The Cardinals, led by veterans Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright, were some of their biggest supporters, and they welcomed the Blues to Busch Stadium at the end of June to bring the iconic trophy to the Cardinals' clubhouse.
Now, it’s Blues’ turn to support the Cardinals’ postseason run.
A Cardinals spokesperson said Thursday that the Blues reached out to make plans for the team to attend Game 3 in Washington on Monday. The Blues play the Islanders in New York at noon, and the Cardinals are likely to play that night.
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“I love this energy that takes place with the two organizations,” Shildt said. “I just appreciate the fact that both organizations look at it as a collective part of the city, and they're very supportive of each other and very sincere about that. I love that our players and the Blues players interact. I've enjoyed getting to get closer with [Blues head coach Craig] Berube.”