Weaver, who was placed on the 7-day disabled list Sunday, has been diagnosed with lower-back stiffness and faces an unclear timetable for a return, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After Weaver was pulled early from his start with Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, it was initially speculated that the injury was related to his pitching hand, but the back was instead the source of his discomfort. The Cardinals should have a better idea of how much time Weaver might miss based on how he progresses from the injury in the coming days, but he'll likely be shut down for the time being as he waits for the back pain to subside.

Weaver, who was removed from his start with Triple-A Memphis on Thursday after two innings under mysterious circumstances, was placed on the 7-day disabled list Sunday, MiLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cardinals haven't released many details about Weaver's injury, but it's believed that the injury is related to the hand or finger on his right hand. If Weaver's injury proves to be more than a short-term concern, the Cardinals will surely provide more clarity on the situation, but in any event, don't expect him to push for a promotion to the big leagues until he resumes pitching with Memphis for an extended stretch.

Weaver was optioned to minor league camp Saturday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander pitched his way out of contention for a rotation spot, issuing four free passes during Friday's outing to bring his total to eight walks in five Grapefruit League innings (only one strikeout). Weaver walked 12 batters in 36.1 innings with the big club last year. With Weaver out of the picture for the time being, Lance Lynn and Michael Wacha are left as the favorites to round out the Opening Day rotation.

Weaver (back) gave up two runs off two hits and a two walks Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Sunday was Weaver's first game since he was dealt with back spasms at the beginning of March. The outing was certainly not his best showing, as he couldn't control his pitches and surrendered a home run. For the remainder of the Cardinals' Grapefruit League games, Weaver should continue to compete with Michael Wacha and Trevor Rosenthal for a spot at the back of the big club's rotation.

Weaver (back) is scheduled to return to Grapefruit League action on Sunday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The highly-touted prospect has been out since last week after experiencing back spasms, but it appears the Cardinals can breath a sigh of relief. After completing a bullpen session Monday without issue, Weaver will likely be eased back into game action this spring as he competes for a spot in the rotation. The 2013 first-round pick compiled a 5.70 ERA in nine major league appearances last season.

Weaver (back) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday, Brian Stull of WGNU 920 AM reports.

EDGE Analysis

Weaver was pulled from his appearance in a Grapefruit League game a little over a week ago with back spasms, but his progression to a bullpen session illustrates that the worst of the injury is probably behind the right-hander. If the bullpen session goes well Monday, Weaver could receive clearance to face hitters in batting practice by the end of the week.

Weaver left Wednesday's exhibition game with back spasms.

EDGE Analysis

The initial diagnosis is about the best the Cardinals and Weaver's fantasy owners could have hoped for. Weaver is competing with Michael Wacha and Trevor Rosenthal for the fifth spot in the rotation, and if he has to miss a couple starts, that would set him back.

Weaver left Wednesday's Grapefruit League start with an undisclosed injury.

EDGE Analysis

He left the game with the trainer, but it is unclear what the exact nature of the injury is. More information will be available after the game. Weaver is currently battling for the fifth spot in the rotation. He missed time last spring with a fluke fracture to his non-throwing hand during batting practice.

Weaver, who drew the start in Saturday's Grapefruit League opener versus the Marlins, gave up two hits, one earned run and two walks over two innings while also recording a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

The 23-year-old righty appears to have the inside track on the fifth starter job for the time being, although spring training performances could naturally alter that landscape. Weaver didn't acquit himself poorly in his first opportunity to make his case Saturday, and gave up his only run when he induced Giancarlo Stanton into a bases loaded double play in the first. Weaver generated a 1-4 record and 5.70 ERA over his first 36.1 major league innings last season.

Weaver has been named the starter for Saturday's Grapefruit League opener against the Marlins, Glenn Sattell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Weaver, competing for the fifth starter job, will thus get first crack at making an impression against live competition this spring. The 23-year-old righty, who went 1-4 with a 5.70 ERA over his first 36.1 major league innings in 2016, will likely work just two frames Saturday and will be followed by John Gant and non-roster invitee Austin Gomber.