Carlos Martinez is shut down for two weeks with a shoulder issue.

An Opening Day starter last year, Martinez is questionable. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right shoulder in an effort to expedite the healing process. No structural damage was found in an MRI of his shoulder. With him being unable to start Opening Day, Miles Mikolas was named the starter for the game in late May last week.

“Carlos Martinez is one of the most talented pitchers in the league. Tough to see him shut down,” junior Blake Haffer said.

Injuries are not a new thing for Martinez. He dealt with a handful of injuries in 2018, limiting him to 118.2 innings pitched. One of the injuries he encountered last season was related to his shoulder, which could have an affect on his healing process. Even in those limited innings, Martinez had the best statistical season of his career. He pitched to a 3.11 earned run average with a 3.53 fielding independent pitching. His numbers are only behind those of Miles Mikolas on the Cardinals’ starting staff.

“Last year was a big step forward for Martinez, and now he’s already dealing with injury issues. I hope he can get past the health issues,” junior Ethan Seymore said.

Carlos Martinez’s injury could have a drastic effect on his career. It could take months for him to recoup the strength to be a starting pitcher, which could make the Cardinals feel inclined to use him out of the bullpen. Either way the Cardinals go, a rotation spot is still up for grabs. The only locks for the rotation according to Mike Shildt are Miles Mikolas, Jack Flaherty, Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright. That leaves one spot open for a starter. The main pitchers competing for the spot are Alex Reyes, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Dakota Hudson, John Gant and Austin Gomber.

“I think if Reyes is healthy he will definitely take the open rotation spot. That’s a big question mark though,” junior Ethan Markovich said.

Martinez is entering this season at 27.