Cardinals place Ponson on DL with strained elbow
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer
May 9, 2006
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Sidney Ponson got the news he expected Tuesday when the St. Louis Cardinals placed him on the 15-day disabled list with a strained muscle in his right elbow.
Ponson, 3-0 with a 2.81 ERA, had to leave Sunday's 9-1 victory over Florida after throwing three innings. The Cardinals are calling the injury an acute flexor muscle strain, and for Ponson one day without a move held no suspense.
"They gave me a hunch, yes," Ponson said. "If they didn't do it, they'd be one guy short."
Off days Thursday and next Monday will allow the Cardinals to get by with a four-man rotation until a three-game series at Kansas City beginning on May 19, when they would have to call up a pitcher from the minors or have the bullpen combine on a game. Even without that break in the schedule, manager Tony La Russa said the team would be cautious.
The move was backdated to Monday and La Russa said Ponson would not throw for a week.
"This just ensures that we're not tempted to rush him," La Russa said. "We just want him to take the 15 days to be sure."
St. Louis recalled left-hander Tyler Johnson from Triple-A Memphis to take Ponson's spot, giving the Cardinals eight relievers.
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