Cardinals supporters held their collective breath throughout the week, anxiously awaiting updates on Sonny Gray’s condition. Fortunately, there was a positive turn in Gray’s recovery.
The concern arose on Monday when Gray left his start against the Nationals after just 1.2 innings, walking off the field accompanied by trainer Adam Olsen, sparking fears among Cardinals fans.
However, on Tuesday, relief swept through the fan base as it was disclosed that Gray’s hamstring strain was minor, with a quick recovery anticipated. Despite this reassurance, uncertainty lingered when John Mozeliak hinted that Gray’s Opening Day appearance might be in jeopardy.
Thankfully, further encouragement surfaced on Thursday, courtesy of updates from John Denton and Gray himself. Denton’s tweet indicated Gray’s significant progress, including successful throwing sessions from a distance of 60 feet.
Personally, I find this news uplifting. The initial apprehension persisted even after learning of the mild strain. Facing the prospect of confronting the Dodgers without Gray was daunting, but there’s now a glimmer of hope.
Gray’s own demeanor is reassuring. He described the cautious approach taken, highlighting the importance of prioritizing his well-being.
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Gray’s lack of major concern suggests a degree of optimism regarding his ability to start the season as planned. While an initial stint on the injured list remains a possibility, there’s optimism that he might still feature in the early stages of the campaign, perhaps even making an appearance during the first road trip or in the home opener on April 4.
Knowing that Gray participated in throwing drills and remains upbeat about his progress alleviates some of the anxiety. Hopefully, this trajectory continues, and Gray can kick off the season on schedule, potentially sidestepping an IL stint altogether.