Chris Carpenter

“He’s excited.”

That’s how St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny characterized RHP Chris Carpenter as he continues to make his way back to the major leagues.

Carpenter has been sidelined for the entire season following complications with a nerve condition he received an operation on last year.

With the news coming down today that Chris Carpenter will likely miss the entire 2013 season, the Cardinals rotation suffered a major setback.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Today the St. Louis Cardinals consider themselves in the same place they were at the beginning of 2012—not expecting ace pitcher Chris Carpenter to throw a pitch.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter's 2013 season is likely already over, but one has to wonder whether we've seen the last of him on a Major League mound after his latest shoulder-related setback.

On April 27, Chris Carpenter will turn 38 years old. His major league career appears to be on its final legs, but on Tuesday Cardinal fans found out that the retirement may come sooner rather than later.

It was reported by Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak on Tuesday that Carpenter is still feeling discomfort in his arm and it is "very unlikely he will pitch in 2013."

The Cardinals announced on Tuesday afternoon that Chris Carpenter would miss the 2013 season after a recurrence of shoulder problems. Carpenter missed the bulk of 2012 with a shoulder issue that was said to be corrected by surgery.

The St. Louis Cardinals announced on Tuesday that Chris Carpenter "can't continue to throw" and will likely miss the entire 2013 season, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports.

It is a familiar story, but once again, injuries have derailed a season for Chris Carpenter.

St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak announced on Tuesday that the veteran is unlikely to pitch at all in the upcoming season.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports first reported the news on Twitter:

Just because a player is no longer 25 and out of his "prime" years does not mean his career is done, at least not anymore.

Thanks to years of research and new strength and conditioning programs, players have been able to extend their careers, making them last longer and be more productive.

The opening month of the season is a time for optimism around baseball, as everyone is still in the running at that point. Still, there are clearly teams that will not be in that position for long, and they need to look ahead to what moves they may make at mid season to strength their team moving forward.

There are a number of intriguing options who may find themselves on the trade block sooner rather than later, with no name larger than Prince Fielder, who has been at the center of trade rumors for what seems like years now.