Adam Wainwright

There's a chance Wainwright will play one more time, but it would be as an at-bat. "There might be batting gloves in his locker right now."

Adam Wainwright earned his 200th career victory Monday. Cole, who has 143, could be next to gain entry to the increasingly exclusive club.

Over the past few weeks, both the Cardinals and their fans found a cause to rally around.

Wainwright became the 38th pitcher in National League history to reach 200 career wins and the fifth active pitcher to do so.

Wainwright scattered four hits and two walks while striking out three over 92 pitches in his most effective outing of the season.

Wainwright won for the first time since June 17 and finished Tuesday's outing with a strikeout on his vaunted curveball.

Wainwright remains stuck on No. 198 with maybe five starts remaining in his career. One Braves star called him "a living legend."

The most inspiring performance at the plate Monday came from former Cardinal Matt Carpenter, now playing for the Padres.

Wainwright's outing Thursday was his most encouraging performance in the last two months. Still, he was saddled with the hard-luck loss.

"It's delicate, to be quite honest," manager Oli Marmol said. "He's a pro, and we've had some really honest conversations."

Marmol said Wainwright has been dealing with a variety of limitations and will travel back home for further evaluation.

In an emotional dugout meeting, the pitcher told manager Oli Marmol: "Hey, just don't give up on me."

For Jen Pawol, the first female umpire to reach Triple A in 34 years, every play represents another step closer to the big leagues.

Wainwright relished his opportunity to start the London Series opener, but his outing ended up being a "perfect storm of horribleness."

The Cardinals — one of baseball's winningest franchises — have lost in just about every way imaginable this season.

Adam Wainwright put his time on the injured list to good use, working feverishly on one a previously undisclosed talents: Arts and crafts.

The two longest-tenured members of the Cardinals rotation spoke up for the embattled catcher: "We love the guy."

Andrew Knizner is set to take over primary catching duties, while Contreras will be used as a designated hitter and an outfielder.