ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals got some bad news about one of their most important pitchers on Monday.
Closer Jordan Hicks has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
The 22-year-old flamethrower was removed from the ninth inning of Saturday's game against the Angels.
On Sunday, Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said he didn't think the Hicks injury was of the serious variety, but that more tests would be run.
An MRI confirmed just how serious it was on Monday.
Hicks owns 48 of the 50 fastest pitches in baseball this season, and has 14 saves for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals might turn to Carlos Martinez in save situations going forward, as he has been getting an extended look at the end of recent games.
