Rafael Furcal Doesn't Need Surgery, Might Return In 2012

Injury news is rarely good. Which is why the St. Louis Cardinals must be particularly thrilled Monday, with the news that shortstop Rafael Furcal's elbow injury isn't as serious as initially feared.

Furcal will have PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma Replacement) done tomorrow, was told ligament is not torn and does not need surgery...

— Brian Stull (@StullySTL) September 3, 2012

When Furcal went down last week -- he heard a "pop" in his elbow when making throws, and was forced to retire from the contest -- it seemed quite possible that he'd torn an elbow ligament and would need major surgery. With this news, however, comes the possibility that Furcal might actually return to the lineup this season, or perhaps in October if the Cardinals qualify for the championship tournament.

In Furcal's stead, rookie Pete Kozma and utilityman Daniel Descalso have been manning shortstop; considering Furcal's performance since June, Steven Goldman has argued the Cardinals might fare just as well with the fill-ins.

Rafael Furcal's Elbow Injury Sends Him To D.L.

Friday, the St. Louis Cardinals placed shortstop Rafael Furcal on the 15-Day Disabled List, due to an elbow injury he suffered in Thursday night's game against the Nationals.

Taking Furcal's roster spot: shortstop Pete Kozma, who's going right into the lineup and was slated to bat eighth against the Nationals Friday night. Kozma, the Cardinals' first-round draft pick five years ago, got into a few games and earned a World Series ring last year, but has spent this whole season, as he spent most of last season, with Triple-A Memphis. Kozma's not much of a hitter -- in six minor-league campaigns, he's got a .308 on-base average, with middling power -- but he's probably the Cardinals' best defensive shortstop.

Utilityman Daniel Descalso filled in for Furcal Thursday night, and figures to see at least some of the action in September, with the Cardinals battling for one of the National League's two available wild-card postseason berths.

Rafael Furcal And The St. Louis Cardinals: Thank Your Lucky Stars

In a close race for the wild cards, Rafael Furcal's injury might be the break the Cardinals need.

Cardinals' Rafael Furcal Feels 'Pop' In Elbow