The loss of starting pitcher Michael Wacha to a left oblique strain forces the team to dig even deeper into its arms supply to stay in the National League wild card race.
Wacha (8-2, 3.20 ERA) has been pitching like a NL All-Star this season. But he exited Wednesday afternoon's game at Philadelphia after retiring just 11 batters.
Adam Wainwright will be out for a while, anyway, due to his elbow deterioration. If he returns after more rest and treatment, will he be able to handle a starting assignment?
The bullpen has taken hit after hit as well.