by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (6/15/2013) Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook endured a rough outing as he took the loss in his first start back from the disabled list Friday night against the Marlins.
Westbrook (2-2) surrendered five runs -- three earned -- on eight hits and one walk in five innings. He threw 92 pitches, 58 for strikes and failed to record a strikeout in a 5-4 loss.
Westbrook has allowed three earned runs in three of his last five starts. He is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday at home against the Cubs. He allowed three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in his previous start against the Cubs May 8.
Cardinals activate Jake Westbrook
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (6/14/2013) The Cardinals activated starting pitcher Jake Westbrook from the disabled list, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Westbrook will start Friday against Miami. Westbrook has been out of action since May 8 with elbow inflammation. He compiled a 1.62 ERA despite just 19 strikeouts against 18 walks over 39 innings before the injury.
Jake Westbrook will start Friday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (6/11/2013) Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook (elbow) will start Friday night against the Marlins in Miami, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Westbrook, who made two rehab starts in the minors, will make his first start since May 8. He is 2-1 with a 1.62 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP in six starts this season.
Jake Westbrook could return Friday
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (6/10/2013) After a solid rehab start Sunday, Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrookcould be in line to return Friday against the Marlins, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
If Westbrook is unable to pitch, Tyler Lyons would start the game. Manager Mike Matheny said it really depends on how Westbrook feels. "We’ll see how (Westbrook) feels, see what it looks like, see what our need is also. The need will dictate when (he starts)," Matheny said.
Prior to injuring his elbow, Westbrook had a 1.62 ERA and a 3.55 FIP in 39 innings pitched this year.
Jake Westbrook goes seven strong in final rehab start
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (6/10/2013) Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook made his second and final rehab start at Class A Peoria.
Westbrook retired the first 14 batters he faced and allowed a run on four hits while striking out five in seven innings to earn the win. He forced 14 groundball outs and threw 76 pitches, 53 for strikes. The right-hander is expected to rejoin the rotation this week.
Jake Westbrook close to returning to rotation
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (6/5/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook (elbow) was pleased following the first of an expected two rehab starts Monday. Westbrook threw 60 pitches in 3 2/3 innings for Double-A Springfield.
"I felt pretty good," Westbrook said, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "It was good to get up four times, get into the fourth inning after two long innings in the first couple. Everything felt good, which was good. I was a little erratic with my pitches, but I guess that's understandable the first time out. It wasn't terrible by any means, but I wasn't as sharp as I'd like to have been."
Westbrook is expected to make another rehab start Sunday before returning to the Cardinals' rotation.
"I have the confidence that if Sunday is my last start," Westbrook said, "that translates going into a big-league game."
Jake Westbrook starts rehab stint
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (6/4/2013) Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook (elbow) began his minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday with Double-A Springfield. The right-hander limited hitters to a run on six hits while striking out five over 3 2/3 innings and 60 pitches.
Westbrook told The News-Leader he will make his second, and possibly final start, Sunday for Class A Peoria before returning to the Cardinals' rotation.
Westbrook will go to Double-A Springfield for his first rehab start Tuesday, where he is slated for around 60 pitches. If all goes well, he could be back within two weeks.
Jake Westbrook set to begin rehab
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (6/1/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook will begin his minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday as he continues to recover from an elbow injury. Westbrook will start at Double-A Springfield, and the team has not determined how long he will be on his rehab assignment.
Jake Westbrook nearing rehab assignment
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/30/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook threw 60 to 65 pitches in a bullpen session Thursday and was pleased with his progress as he continues to recover from an elbow injury. Westbrook hopes to be sent on a minor-league rehab outing next week.
Jake Westbrook set for bullpen session Thursday
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/29/2013) Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook is scheduled for a "more intense bullpen session" Thursday, MLB.com reports. He threw 40 pitches Monday in an unexpected bullpen session after cancelling a trip to Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion on his ailing elbow.
If the bullpen session goes well, Westbrook may be able to begin a rehab assignment in a week or two.
Jake Westbrook could begin rehab 'in a week or two,' GM says
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/28/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook, who threw an unexpected bullpen session Monday, could begin a rehab assignment in a week or two, general manager John Mozeliak told MLB.com Tuesday.
"Clearly, the news of him throwing [Monday] was far more encouraging than it was three or four days ago," Mozeliak said. "I think there's a lot of positive there. He feels good about where he's going. Directionally speaking, seeing him maybe out on a rehab [assignment] in a week or two would be great."
Jake Westbrook forgoes second opinion
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/27/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook was scheduled to visit Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion on his ailing right elbow, but decided to take matters into his own hands, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Westbrook opted to test his elbow in a bullpen session Monday morning, throwing 20 fastballs on an indoor mound. He did not feel any soreness in the elbow, so he extended himself by throwing a full barrage of pitches in a simulated inning, again without any discomfort in the elbow. After the promising outing, Westbrook may opt against receiving a second opinion now.
"I wanted to see how it felt," Westbrook said "Worst-case scenario I have to go and get a second opinion and reschedule. But I want to push it because it has been feeling good and see if maybe the pain has passed."
Jake Westbrook cancels second opinion
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/27/2013) Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook threw a bullpen session Monday and subsequently canceled his appointment for a second opinion with Dr. James Andrews, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Westbrook said his injured elbow is improving and the irritation has gone down. He had ended a bullpen session last week early. He's 2-1 with a 1.62 ERA on the year.
Jake Westbrook to get second opinion on elbow
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/25/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook will get a second opinion on his injured elbow, likely from Dr. James Andrews, MLB.com reports. Westbrook ended a bullpen session early this week.
Westbrook is 2-1 with a 1.62 ERA.
Jake Westbrook plays catch Friday
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/24/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook was able to play catch Friday off flat ground, another sign that the setback he had Wednesday is not serious.
Westbrook told MLB.com afterwards that he felt fine but does not have a set throwing schedule, after cutting a bullpen session short Wednesday. He said he is taking his recovery day-to-day until the team can determine the next step to take.
Jake Westbrook's snag appears minor
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (5/24/2013) Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook hit a snag in rehab from an elbow injury earlier this week, but he does not appear to be seriously hurt, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Westbrook felt right elbow pain during a bullpen session Wednesday. The issue will keep him from coming back next week as originally planned, but it appears the issue will only push him back about a week at this point. Westbrook compiled a 1.62 ERA in 39 innings prior to the injury.
Jake Westbrook's rehab hits a snag
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/22/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook cut his bullpen session short Wednesday after 20 pitches, after feeling discomfort in his right elbow.
Westbrook is dealing with inflammation in his elbow and had been limited to long toss before Wednesday. The next step is not known after this setback.
Jake Westbrook to throw off mound Wednesday
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/22/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook did not throw off a mound as expected Tuesday, but he did participate in a long toss session on flat ground. According to MLB.com, he expects to throw off a mound Wednesday, as he continues to recover from right elbow inflammation.
Westbrook has thrown a few times over the last few days, but is still working on progressing to the mound. He is expected to be out until early June due to scar tissue buildup in his right elbow.
Jake Westbrook to throw off mound
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/20/2013) Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook (elbow) plans on throwing off a mound Tuesday, MLB.com reports. The news comes after Westbrook made 25 throws off flat ground from 60 feet Sunday.
Westbrook will likely need a rehab outing or two before the Cardinals consider adding him to the rotation. He'll likely be back in early June.
Jake Westbrook feeling good after throwing Sunday
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (5/19/2013) Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook took about 25 throws from 60 feet Sunday and said he felt good, ESPN St. Louis reports.
Westbrook has been dealing with scar tissue buildup in his elbow. He is expected to miss at least two more starts, if not more, if a cortisone shot doesn't break up the scar tissue.
Westbrook received a shot in his arm Thursday to try and break up that scar tissue. He will not be able to resume throwing until at least Sunday, which will cause him to miss at least three starts.
Jake Westbrook aiming to throw Friday
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/15/2013) Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook told MLB.com on Wednesday that he hopes to resume throwing on Friday. The right-hander has reported a slight improvement in his injured elbow but said more will be known once he starts his throwing program.
Westbrook is 2-1 with a 1.62 ERA in his six starts this season.
Cardinals place Jake Westbrook on 15-day DL
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) The Cardinals have placed starter Jake Westbrook on the 15-day disabled list due to elbow inflammation, KMOX St. Louis reports.
The Cardinals say the move is precautionary and that the club would prefer to give Westbrook time to rest the elbow now and avoid further injury later. The club has recalled John Gast from Triple-A Memphis to take his place on the roster.
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013) Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook endured his shortest outing in Wednesday's series finale against the Cubs. He allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits over 5 1/3 innings of work.
The right-hander gave up a run in the first before making it through the next two frames unscathed. Then in the fourth, he was tagged with a three-spot.
Westbrook was done after throwing 85 pitches, 51 for strikes, and left in line for the loss but luckily his teammates were able to battle back. He also struck out one and walked one in the no-decision.
His next start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Mets.
Leave Jake Westbrook on waivers
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (5/8/2013) Slated for two starts in Fantasy Week 7 (May 13-19), Jake Westbrook is currently the second-most added starting pitcher in CBSSports.com leagues, trailing only Kevin Slowey. With a pair of home starts and a 1.07 ERA to date, Westbrook may look like a worthwhile addition to your rotation, but there are better options.
Westbrook's ERA is a mirage, and his 1.40 WHIP hints at it. Though he is walking a batter roughly every other inning and allowing gobs of contact, he has stranded 92 percent of the many baserunners he has put on. A change in Westbrook's luck with stranding runners is likely to outweigh any impact of a reduced walk rate, should he be able to improve his control.
The Cardinals may be trusting Westbrook to handle the Mets and Brewers next week, but you don't have to. Travis Wood, Justin Grimm and Jason Vargas are just three of the starters you could feel safer with among next week's two-start options.
Jake Westbrook getting some views
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013)Jake Westbrook has been added in 14 percent of CBSSports.com leagues over the last week. He also remains near the top of the most-viewed players list, signaling that Fantasy owners scouring the waiver wires are still considering whether to pick up the veteran.
At this point in his career, we pretty much know what to expect from Westbrook. He can more than hold his own thanks to a heavy groundball pitching style, though obviously a 1.07 ERA is wholly unsustainable. Westbrook will rarely strike batters out, and prior to this season, has generally had solid control. He is walking 4.54 batters per nine innings, helping him to an unhealthy 1.40 WHIP, though that should turnaround at some point
Westbrook is never going to be the most exciting Fantasy option, but the Cardinals seem to find a way of getting the most out of pitchers. Nobody should be or is expecting a Bob Gibson-esque ERA from the 35-year-old, but he can get the job done against favorable matchups. Ride him while he's hot, but keep an eye on his performance and get ready to dump him when the ERA reverts back to it's usual place in the mid-4.00s.
Jake Westbrook has more starts than earned runs
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/2/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook improved to 2-1 by holding the Brewers to just one earned run on six hits and three walks in six innings, striking out four. It was just the fourth earned run Westbrook has allowed in his five starts this year en route to an NL-best 1.07 ERA.
Westbrook has continued to temper scoring despite mediocre peripherals. He has an 18:17 K:BB ratio and has allowed 30 hits in 33 2/3 innings. He's in line to face the Cubs in Chicago next week.
Jake Westbrook let down by bullpen
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook did not factor in the decision Saturday against the Pirates. Westbrook limited Pittsburgh to just six hits over his six innings of work and was pulled after throwing 91 pitches with a 2-0 lead.
However, he could only watch helplessly from the dugout as the Pirates scored four runs in the top of the seventh, erasing St. Louis' lead and Westbrook's chances for a win.
The right-hander finished with six strikeouts without issuing a walk and lowered his ERA to 0.98 after his latest outing.
Westbrook, who has allowed just three earned runs over his 27 2/3 innings pitches, is slated to face the Brewers on the road next Thursday. He went 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two starts against Milwaukee last year.
Jake Westbrook solid vs. Phillies
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/21/2013) Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook turned in a solid performance but was unable to factor in the decision Sunday night against the Phillies.
Westbrook, who made his third start of the season, ran into trouble early on as he allowed two runs in the first, including a run-scoring single to Chase Utley. The right-hander was charged with three runs and seven hits in six innings of work. He also struck out four and walked four on 100 pitches, 54 for strikes.
Westbrook has a 1.25 ERA through 21 2/3 innings of work. He is scheduled to take the mound at home against the Pirates Saturday. The 35-year-old pitched a complete game in his last start at home.
Rain washes out Jake Westbrook's milestone bid
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/17/2013) Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook went for the 100th win of his career on Tuesday night against the Pirates but the game was postponed due to rain.
The storm hit at the end of the second inning with Pittsburgh leading 4-2, and the game was called after a delay of 1 hour, 24 minutes.
Westbrook allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits over two innings of work before the postponement.
"I made some mistakes, and they capitalized on them," Westbrook told MLB.com. "I missed a few spots. Usually I can get away with [mistakes], but tonight, that wasn't the case. [Four of the five hits] were all missed location and elevated balls that should be hit, and they did. It's just one of those things where I wasn't as sharp as I needed to be."
The right-hander is 1-1 through two outings while giving up just one unearned run over 15 2/3 innings pitched.
His next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Phillies. In two starts against Philadelphia last season, Westbrook went 1-0 with a 5.56 ERA.
Jake Westbrook is a decent spot starter Tuesday
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/16/2013)Jake Westbrook has been added in a number of Fantasy leagues this week, and has a favorable start against the Pirates Tuesday.
Westbrook is far from a high-upside player, but he's been a steady pitcher at times over his career. Westbrook is coming off a complete-game shutout for the Cardinals against the Reds, likely the reason most owners picked him up. His strong start to the season should continue against the Pirates. The team rated as one of the worst offensive clubs in the league last season according to FanGraphs.com, and they haven't done anything to shake that ranking this year.
Westbrook's upside is usually low enough that he isn't worth starting in most leagues, but if you're desperate, the formula is there for him to put up decent numbers Tuesday.
Fantasy owners being smart about Jake Westbrook
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/14/2013) I'm not surprised Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook has been one of the most added players this week, but I'm glad to see his ownership percentage isn't skyrocketing. Fantasy owners aren't overreacting to his stellar start and that's extremely encouraging.
Westbrook hasn't allowed an earned run in 15 2/3 innings, but he's certainly had his fair share of luck. According to FanGraphs.com, Westbrook has a 95.5 percent strand rate through his first two starts. His career average is 69.6 percent and there's no way he will be able to keep his current pace, which is well above the league average (72.5 percent).
Westbrook's BABIP is also .212, which is well below his .300 career average, and his FIP -- which is measurement of what a player's ERA should look like in a given period -- is 4.63, so a nasty market correction could be around the corner for the veteran right-hander.
Jake Westbrook shuts out Reds
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013)Jake Westbrook tossed a five-hit shutout for the Cardinals Wednesday against the Reds.
Westbrook walked four batters and struck out just three, but his sinker was more than sharp enough to make up for the poor ratio. He induced a whopping 17 ground balls on 23 balls in play. That's peak Westbrook -- he won't blow pitches by hitters no impress with crazy breaking stuff, but at his best he can coax grounder after grounder into his infielders' mitts.
Jake Westbrook done in by bases-loaded walk
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/5/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook was mostly on top of his game Friday against the Giants, but he struggled to find the strike zone at times in a 1-0 loss.
Westbrook cruised through 6 2/3 innings but ran into trouble in the fourth inning, allowing a run when he surrendered a bases-loaded walk to Angel Pagan. That was the only run he allowed in the game, but it was enough to cost him the decision.
He finished the game with six hits and six walks, but picked up 15 groundball outs to limit the damage. He struck out one batter and threw 116 pitches.
Westbrook will make his second start of the season Wednesday against the Reds. Westbrook faced the Reds two times a year ago, holding them to four runs in 14 1/3 innings, while going 1-1.
Jake Westbrook limps into season
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/29/2013) St. Louis starting pitcher Jake Westbrook surrendered four runs and five hits over four innings during the Cardinals' 7-2 loss to the Mets in Grapefruit League action Friday.
Westbrook was on the hook for multiple runs for the fourth consecutive game as he finished the exhibition season with a 4.50 ERA, his highest mark in three springs with St. Louis.
The veteran right-hander also walked four batters and struck out just two. It was the second time in six Grapefruit appearances he had more walks than strikeouts.
"I think I pitched fairly well, but they took advantage of a couple mistakes," Westbrook said. "I left a couple of balls over the plate, and I was not able to execute all my pitches, so in that way it wasn't my best day."
Jake Westbrook to start Cardinals' fourth game
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/27/2013) Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Wednesday starting pitcher Jake Westbrook will start the team's fourth game of the season on April 5 at San Francisco. Westbrook is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA and 1.20 WHIP through five spring starts.
Jake Westbrook tosses quality start
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013)Jake Westbrook allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over six innings in a Grapefruit League start Sunday against the Mets. It marks Westbrook's second consecutive quality start.
Westbrook now has a 3.60 ERA in 20 spring innings. He's expected to be the Cardinals' third starter this season.
Jake Westbrook staying longer
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/18/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook allowed two runs and three hits over six innings of a 3-2 loss to the Mets in Grapefruit League action Monday. Westbrook, projected as the Cardinals' No. 4 starter, gave up a two-run homer to Lucas Duda in the fourth inning. He struck out four and walked none during his longest outing of the spring. Westbrook has a 3.86 ERA in four spring starts.
Westbrook goes four innings
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/12/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook made it through four innings on Tuesday in a Grapefruit League start against the Braves. The projected No. 2 starter for St. Louis was a little wild as he walked three batters and served up two earned runs on three hits. Westbrook tossed 66 pitches in the game and 38 went for strikes. He managed one strikeout and his ERA on the Grapefruit season is now at 4.50.
Westbrook solid in second start
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (3/6/2013) After making an early exit in his Grapefruit League debut, Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook returned to pitch three solid innings in his second start Wednesday. He held the Marlins to one run on four hits, striking out two batters in the outing. Westbrook left his first start with a bruised knee as a result of getting hit by a comebacker. Westbrook commented, "Getting my work in and getting the allotted innings I was supposed to throw was a lot nicer than having to come out because of a line drive."
Westbrook's day ends early
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/28/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook was lifted from Thursday's spring game against the Marlins in the top of the second inning after he was hit on the left leg by a ground ball off the bat of Casey Kotchman. He was diagnosed with a left knee contusion. Westbrook was charged with one run on four hits and no walks in one-plus inning. He struck out one. Westbrook's spring ERA is at 9.00 after his debut Thursday was cut short. "It hurt pretty good at the time, but once I was able to walk it off, I could have easily kept going," Westbrook said, per MLB.com. Westbrook said too many pitches caught the middle of the plate but he was otherwise encouraged. "He looked good," manager Mike Matheny said. "The ball was down. That's him. I think his velocity was good. He looked like he was in great shape. We're just going to try and get him built up."
