Winn Day-to-Day After Knee Discomfort in Royals Finale
The Cardinal Chronicle
Trainer’s Table: Winn Day-to-Day After Knee Discomfort in Royals Finale
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur
The Cardinals left Sunday’s 2-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals with more than a quiet afternoon from the bats to think about.
Masyn Winn exited the game in the seventh inning after experiencing left knee discomfort while running to first base on a fielder’s choice. Manager Oli Marmol described Winn as day-to-day, with further examination expected during Monday’s scheduled off day.
For now, that is the most important phrase in the report: day-to-day.
That does not mean the Cardinals are in the clear, but it does suggest the club is not yet treating the injury as a major setback. With the Cardinals off Monday before opening a series Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium, Winn will have at least one full day to be evaluated and recover before the club has to make a lineup decision.
Winn’s value to the Cardinals is not difficult to measure. He is the everyday shortstop, one of the club’s best defenders, and a stabilizing presence in the middle of the infield. Even when the offense goes quiet, as it did Sunday against Kansas City, Winn’s glove and athleticism remain part of what gives St. Louis its identity.
That is why any knee-related issue involving Winn is going to draw immediate attention.
The Cardinals have already had to manage injuries across the roster this season, and losing Winn for any stretch would create another challenge at a premium defensive position. If he is unavailable Tuesday, César Prieto could be an option to step in at shortstop. Prieto replaced Winn after the injury Sunday and would give Marmol a short-term infield solution while the club waits for more clarity.
The good news is that the early language from the club was cautious, not alarming. Winn was not immediately ruled out for the upcoming series, and the timing of Monday’s off day gives the Cardinals a little breathing room.
Still, this is one worth watching closely.
The Cardinals have been playing better baseball in recent weeks, and their defense up the middle has been a significant part of that. Winn is not the kind of player St. Louis can easily replace for more than a day or two. If this is simply soreness or a minor tweak, the Cardinals may have dodged a real problem. If further testing shows anything more, it could quickly become one of the more important injury stories on the roster.
For now, the Trainer’s Table reads: Masyn Winn, left knee discomfort, day-to-day, further exams pending Monday.
That is better than the alternative.
But until Winn is back in the lineup and moving like himself, the Cardinals will be holding their breath just a little.
The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports