Cardinals Closer Jordan Hicks to Undergo MRI on Injured Triceps
By Karl Rasmussen
The St. Louis Cardinals may be without a key reliever going forward, as closer Jordan Hicks is dealing with inflammation and swelling in his right triceps.
The hard-throwing hurler is set to undergo an MRI Monday, which will help determine whether he needs a stint on the IL in order to recover from his ailment.
Hicks is scheduled for an MRI on his elbow and right arm this morning, as #cardinals acknowledge schedule/off days invite an injured list consideration. #stlcards #MLB https://t.co/ZvkOyA6A5z
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) June 24, 2019
Hicks left the Cardinals game Saturday against the Angels with just one out remaining in a 4-2 ball game. He was given treatment and underwent some tests over the weekend to assess the situation, and the team has decided to go forth with an MRI in order to evaluate the seriousness of his injury.
Manager Mike Shildt hasn't ruled out a trip to the IL, and should Hicks end up on the shelf, it would likely be retroactive to Saturday, June 22.
In his stead, the Cards had planned to use John Gant as the primary closer. However, following Sunday night's blowup that saw him surrender 4 hits, 4 earned runs and 2 walks while recording just one out in the ninth inning, perhaps Shildt will deploy a committee instead.
If Jordan Hicks needs to miss time, the Cardinals aren't worried about John Gant sliding into the closer's role.@Cardinals | #STLCards | #TimeToFly pic.twitter.com/spHr4ULa3N
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) June 23, 2019
While that was far and away Gant's worst outing of the year, it could open the door for save competition from Carlos Martinez and Andrew Miller, though Hicks will likely slot back into the role when he returns to game action.
On the season, the 22-year-old Hicks has logged 14 saves in 29 relief appearances, posting a 3.14 ERA and 0.94 WHIP while striking out 31 batters across 28.2 innings of work.