PITTSBURGH -- Right-hander Jordan Walden will miss significant time, the Cardinals have learned, after a Friday MRI confirmed that the reliever has a Grade 2 strain of his right latissimus dorsi muscle.
After opening Grapefruit League play with six scoreless appearances, Walden complained of discomfort around his right shoulder, which he had rehabbed rigorously over the offseason. Walden returned to the mound for two more appearances -- both scoreless, as well -- in the final week of camp, but the discomfort persisted.
That prompted a visit to a Dallas-area physician, who confirmed the diagnosis.
"I do think this is one that we have to be really patient with," Cardinals senior vice president and general manager John Mozeliak said.