Cardinals' Wainwright chased from Game 1 of NLCS in 5th inning; says elbow is not 100 percent
Adam Wainwright's health was a huge concern for the St. Louis Cardinals heading into the National League Championship Series, and a short outing in Game 1 will lead to speculation his ailing elbow is still a factor.
Wainwright labored through 4 2/3 innings vs. the San Francisco Giants, surrendering six hits and three runs - two earned - while throwing 98 pitches.
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny gave his prized right-hander the hook after he issued two walks in the fifth inning in favor of lefty Marco Gonzales.
Wainwright lasted only 4 1/3 innings and yielded six runs in his NL Division Series start against the Los Angeles Dodgers and admitted his elbow is still bothering him.
Wainwright on his elbow: "It's not 100%. It's 100% better than the last time I pitched." #Cardinals
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 12, 2014
Wainwright insisted, however, that his elbow didn't hurt while he was on the mound, and blamed mechanical issues for his poor outing.