Cards closer Jason Motte likely headed to DL with elbow strain

Bad news for the St. Louis bullpen, as closer Jason Motte is likely to open the season on the disabled list because of a mild elbow strain. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Motte won’t be able to take the mound for at least a week thanks to a slight tear of the flexor tendon.

“Right now it’s going to slow him down,” Cardinals GM Mozeliak said. “We’re certainly going to be aggressive with the rehab. The DL is likely going to happen.”

The 30-year-old Motte, a converted catcher, boasts a career ERA of 2.87 to go with a strong career K% of 26.3. He’s converted 78% of his save opportunities.

“We’ll pray for a quick healing,” Cards manager Mike Matheny said of Motte’s injury. “If that doesn’t happen, someone else is going to take the position and make the most of it.”