Cardinals' Adam Wainwright's WBC injury won't quiet tournament critics

Wainwright was scheduled to start for the Cardinals on Opening Day next Thursday at home against the Toronto Blue Jays. The nod would presumably now go to 27-year-old righty Jack Flaherty.

The three-time All-Star is likely to miss "several weeks" according to manager Oliver Marmol and his injury comes on the heels of multiple other stars going down during the international showcase, including Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz. Wainwright reportedly suffered the strain during a weight room workout on Tuesday with Team USA.

The 41-year-old's situation will surely lead to more detractors of the tournament, though many have stood their ground in defending the WBC and even promised that they'll compete again in the next iteration in 2026.

In October, Wainwright decided to return for his 18th season this year and later said that it'll be his final MLB campaign. "Waino's" decision came after longtime teammates Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina announced their retirements.

If the groin ailment doesn't linger for too long, Wainwright should have a decent shot at reaching 200 career wins, as he enters 2023 with a 195-117 record. He finished the 2022 season with an 11-12 mark, 3.71 ERA and 1.28 WHIP across 191 2/3 innings pitched over 32 starts.

Wainwright's been one of the more durable pitchers in recent years, making at least 31 starts in three consecutive full seasons, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.