"Cardinals co-ace Chris Carpenter returned to St. Louis on Tuesday to be examined by nerve specialists after experiencing renewed symptoms associated with a bulging cervical disc.
Carpenter, who threw live batting practice Sunday, experienced what the club has described as "weakness" in his neck, shoulder and upper arm Monday.
As recently as last weekend, the Cardinals hoped Carpenter would be available to make their opening-day start April 4 against the Miami Marlins. That responsibility now falls to Kyle Lohse.
For now, Lance Lynn will take Carpenter's turn in the rotation. Lynn made his second spring start Monday and appears increasingly likely to carry that role into the season. General manager John Mozeliak acknowledged Wednesday that Carpenter is highly unlikely to be available by then.
Asked if recent developments have heightened his concerns over Carpenter, who has experienced a series of significant medical issues before and in his nine-year term with the club, Mozeliak answered "yes and no.""
