Flaherty (shoulder) is working on building strength before beginning a throwing program, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He did some outfield sprints Saturday and has also done plyometric exercises to build strength in his arm and shoulder. The next step would be a throwing program, but there is not a timetable for when that will begin.

The Cardinals placed Flaherty (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list Monday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty's absence is expected to extend into May, at which point he will likely revert from the 10-day IL to the 15-day IL. Since receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection March 18 to calm down the inflammation in his right shoulder, Flaherty has been cleared to participate in plyometric drills. He could begin a throwing program within the next few days, but he'll require multiple weeks to build up for starting duty after essentially missing all of spring training.

Manager Oliver Marmol said Saturday that Flaherty (shoulder) has begun plyometric drills to replicate his throwing motion, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty is nearing the end of his two-week shutdown from throwing, and it's encouraging that he's been able to resume some activity with just under a week remaining until Opening Day. The right-hander will need some time to build back up after he received a PRP injection March 18, but he'll begin a throwing program soon and will travel with the team once it returns to St. Louis. It seems likely that Flaherty will require a stint on the injured list to begin the regular season, but his progress late in spring training has provided a reason for encouragement.

Flaherty (shoulder) signed a one-year, $5 million deal Tuesday, avoiding arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The deal settles one question for Flaherty, but more important question of his health remains unanswered. After battling oblique and shoulder strains for much of last season, he's already dealing with shoulder inflammation this season and is in the middle of a two-week shutdown period.

Flaherty received a PRP injection Friday to address a small tear in his right shoulder and will be shut down from throwing for at least two weeks, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty went for a second opinion after undergoing an MRI on Wednesday and is now confirmed to be unavailable for the start of the season. The 26-year-old was limited to 78.1 innings last season due to oblique and shoulder strains, and he's now sidelined by another shoulder issue to begin 2022. Even if Flaherty is cleared to start a throwing program immediately after the two-week shutdown, he likely won't be available for at least the first month of the season as he'll need to build back up to a starter's workload.

Flaherty (shoulder) is getting a second opinion on his MRI, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

While an official diagnosis on Flaherty's shoulder troubles is not yet available, the latest news doesn't seem particularly good, as there wouldn't be a need for a second opinion if the MRI results were clear and favorable. Even a minor delay is likely to cost him some time at the start of the season, but an extended absence could also be on the table.

Flaherty (shoulder) underwent an MRI on Wednesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty was absent from Tuesday's team workout since he was having his right shoulder evaluated, and the Cardinals are hopeful that Flaherty's MRI will provide a diagnosis for the extent of his injury. Even if the issue is deemed to be minor, any potential delay in the right-hander's spring training workload could limit his availability to begin the regular season.

Flaherty didn't participate in Tuesday's team workout after he was sent in for a medical evaluation of his right shoulder, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The results of Flaherty's tests aren't yet known, but any arm-related injury for a pitcher this close to Opening Day is obviously concerning. The Cardinals are hoping to gain more clarity on Flaherty's health situation in the next few days, but even if he's diagnosed with minor soreness, it could delay his throwing schedule enough to put his availability for the start of the season in jeopardy.

Flaherty allowed one hit and one walk with one strikeout through a scoreless inning of work in Wednesday's 4-0 loss to the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

For just the second time in his career, Flaherty made an appearance out of the bullpen Wednesday. The right-hander gave up a double to Lorenzo Cain and a walk to Jackie Bradley but did not allow a run. The Cardinals would love to have the 2019 version of Flaherty available to start a playoff game or two, but the oblique and shoulder injuries that the 25-year-old has suffered this season leave his role undetermined as St. Louis eyes up an October run.

Manager Mike Shildt said that Flaherty will be available out of the bullpen during Tuesday's game against the Brewers, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Flaherty allowed two runs in just one-third of an inning while serving as the opener in his return to the mound Friday. While he'll be available out of the bullpen beginning Tuesday, the skipper emphasized that his role continues to be a fluid situation. With that in mind, it still seems possible that Flaherty will be able to build up to start a game in the postseason should the opportunity present itself.