Paul Goldschmidt's Lingering Elbow Soreness is Turning Into a Very Bad Sign for Cardinals

Is it time for fans in St. Louis to press the panic button on the Cardinals' most bruising bopper?

Due to lingering elbow soreness, slugger Paul Goldschmidt has been limited to a designated hitter's role throughout Spring Training. The 32-year-old veteran first disclosed the discomfort in his elbow almost a month ago, and what makes it so concerning is that it hasn't healed.

Cardinals manager Mike Shildt told reporters on Wednesday that Goldschmidt will be shut down for a few games, as the club looks to get to the bottom of the issue.

Paul Goldschmidt has had elbow soreness again, being looked at again, and Shildt says it’s going to be “a couple of days” as the ease him back and he’s out of games. News is coming. #stlcards #MLB https://t.co/d3Xtz6nciR
— Derrick S. Goold (@dgoold) March 11, 2020

St. Louis has yet to indicate if Goldy's injury is anything severe, but it's pretty worrying that the six-time All-Star is dealing with the same ache that already limited him earlier in camp.

Cardinals fans can take solace in the fact that Goldschmidt, per Anne Rogers of MLB.com, underwent an MRI that didn't reveal ligament damage, but it would be foolish to think that assures his long-term health for the season.

Paul Goldschmidt said he’s not overly concerned about his elbow soreness and could have played today. Had an MRI on Monday that didn’t reveal ligament damage.

“Trying to be smart about it to make sure it doesn’t get to the point where it affects me the whole year.” #STLCards
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) March 11, 2020

When you consider that Goldschmidt's pain hasn't alleviated in almost four weeks, it would probably benefit St. Louis to get him reevaluated as soon as possible. Even though he's not a pitcher, you can't help but feel alarmed when the term "lingering" is paired with elbow soreness.

This is shaping up to be a bad sign for the Cards.