LITTLE ROCK — CARDINALS
Ace out indefinitely
JUPITER, Fla. - Chris Carpenter has nerve irritation that has caused weakness in his pitching shoulder and the St. Louis Cardinals’ ace will be sidelined indefinitely.
The Cardinals made the announcement Friday, after Carpenter was evaluated in St. Louis this week. The team says there is no new nerve injury and the cervical disc injury that occurred earlier in spring training is a “non-issue.”
The 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner is expected back in camp by Monday, but there is no timetable for his return to the mound.
Carpenter, who turns 37 next month, pitched the Cardinals to World Series championships in 2006 and 2011. The right-hander was 11-9 with a 3.45 ERA last year.
YANKEES
Chamberlain injured
TAMPA, Fla. - New York Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain dislocated his right ankle while playingwith his son at a local spot that had a trampoline, jeopardizing his immediate future after yet another odd misstep for New York’s bullpen at spring training.
There was no timetable for Chamberlain’s return. The team did not say whether the 26-year-old pitcher was using the trampoline equipment when he was injured Thursday.
The accident at a play area came two weeks after All-Star setup man David Robertson hurt himself moving boxes at home.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman said Friday that Chamberlain had surgery and would be hospitalized at least a few days. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound right-hander was working his way back from elbow ligament replacement surgery and wasn’t expected to return until June or July.
Asked Friday if this could threaten Chamberlain’s career, Cashman said: “I’m not in position to say. Right now it’s too early for that. He’s in very good hands. He’s a healer. He’s a tough guy.”
In January, Chamberlain agreed toa one-year contract for $1,675,000, up from $1.4 million last year. The deal was not guaranteed. Cashman said Friday it’s not the right time to talk about Chamberlain’s contract status.
Cashman said Chamberlain’s son was not hurt. The boy began kindergarten last year and Chamberlain often tweets about how proud he is of his son’s hockey team.
RED SOX
Jenks faces charges
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Authorities said Friday Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Bobby Jenks has been arrested on charges of driving under the influence.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy saw Jenks’ SUV driving erratically early Friday in Fort Myers. Jenks has been released on bail.
An arrest report says Jenks told the deputy he had taken “too many muscle relaxers.” The deputy said Jenks was shaking uncontrollably and had a difficult time speaking.
The report says Jenks also toldthe deputy he hit another car at a strip club. The deputy found a small amount of damage on his bumper.
The sheriff’s office says the club’s bouncer saw Jenks drive into a pickup truck in the parking lot before driving off.
Jenks faces DUI charges and a hitand-run charge. Red Sox officials said they were aware of Jenks’ arrest but declined further comment. CUBS
Dempster gets nod
MESA, Ariz - Veteran righthander Ryan Dempster will make his second consecutive opening day start for the Chicago Cubs, facing the Washington Nationals and Stephen Strasburg at Wrigley Field on April 5.
Dempster, 10-14 with a 4.80 ERA last season in 34 starts, got the nod Friday from Manager Dave Sveum over Matt Garza.
In the season opener a year ago, Dempster was the losing pitcher against the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving up 6 runs and 6 hits in 6 2/3 innings.
- The Associated Press
Sports, Pages 24 on 03/24/2012