Carpenter to avoid surgery

[October 02, 2008]  ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter will not have surgery for a nerve problem in his shoulder, hoping he'll be ready for spring training after therapy and rest.

General manager John Mozeliak confirmed the course of action Wednesday. Carpenter, who was shut down for the season in early September, visited a fourth specialist in New York this week.

The 33-year-old right-hander also underwent tests in St. Louis to determine how to best deal with a nerve irritation that feed the muscles in the back of his shoulder.

Team medical director Dr. George Paletta said last week the consensus has been that the injury would heal on its own, as it did after Carpenter was sidelined for the 2004 postseason and then returned to win the NL Cy Young Award the following season.

Carpenter pitched 15 1-3 innings last season after returning from reconstructive elbow surgery in July, going 0-1 with a 1.76 ERA. His return would cement a rotation that includes Kyle Lohse, Adam Wainwright, Todd Wellemeyer and Joel Pineiro.

[Associated Press]

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