Carpenter to miss start due to elbow inflammation

By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer
April 3, 2007

AP - Apr 3, 7:00 pm EDT


ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Chris Carpenter will miss a turn in the St. Louis Cardinals' pitching rotation due to right elbow inflammation, though the team thinks its ace won't be out long.

Carpenter complained of soreness Monday, the day after he struggled in the season opener against the New York Mets. An examination by team physician Dr. George Paletta on Tuesday did not include an MRI, and Carpenter said he thought his elbow already had improved.

"I'm not a doctor, but I feel it's a little bit better," Carpenter said.

The Cardinals said Carpenter will be evaluated over the next three days.

"The first indication is there's a chance it'll be something that is not real serious," manager Tony La Russa said. "We're going to be real careful with it."