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.