I know, despite my pleas to remain calm, you were probably freaking out about C.J. Edwards’ shoulder MRI all day today.
OK. I was, too.
But the early reports look good for the Cubs’ top pitching prospect.
#Cubs report good news on CJ Edwards MRI. There is some fatigue, inflammation in shoulder but everything structurally sound
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) April 25, 2014
#Cubs say C.J. Edwards MRI reveals fatigue and inflammation in shoulder. Structurally sound. Rest for couple wks before starts throwing pgm
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) April 25, 2014
Now, “good” is a relative term here. That the MRI revealed no structural issues is key, because that’s where the shoulder terror comes from. That the MRI revealed inflammation is not so good, but also not surprising, given that Edwards was obviously feeling something. So, inflammation is about the best you could hope for.
Having to take a couple weeks off, and then go through a throwing program to build back up his arm is also not the best, but it’s also far from an awful thing. Edwards is still a developing prospect, but at 22 and in AA, a few weeks off isn’t going to do serious harm to his development. Taking it extremely easy with his recovery here is obviously the right approach.
Hopefully the Cubs and Edwards are also able to identify what may have been causing the irritation in the first place, so that there are no lingering or recurring issues.
All in all, this is good news, compared to what it could have been.
UPDATE: Edwards also sees this as good news.
Great news today rest then back at again #cubs#smokies#stilllivingmydream
— Cj Edwards (@CEdwardsSBS) April 25, 2014