Adam Wainwright Returned to the Mound Last Night, Sort Of ...

Adam Wainwright tore his Achilles tendon on April 30 while running out of the batter’s box. Remember, it sparked a brief debate about adding the designated hitter to the National League for about a day or two? Maybe? Fast forward to the end of July and Cardinals aren’t any worse for the wear, owning the best record in baseball along with the best ERA in the game.

Turns out last night Wainwright returned to the mound Monday night … filling in as a pitching machine in his daughter’s eight-year-old softball game, as you can see in the photo embedded above. Wainwright himself later retweeted the picture, reminding his followers he still wants to figure out a way to pitch this season. Late last month he mentioned he is still targeting a return for October.

Here’s a little more context on it. Wainwright even stuck around afterword for pictures and autographs.

WebMD says recovery time for an Achilles injury is about six months and Wainwright does appear to be out of the walking boot. That said, he’d also have to get his arm back in shape and clear various other hurdles. The Cardinals might not be the most beloved franchise in sports, but that’s a nice job by Wainwright.

[photo via @2xAught7]