Sad news out of the St. Louis Cardinals front office today — the Mercy partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals as the team's official medical provider will get a high-profile start.

The team announced Tuesday that Chris Carpenter, sidelined for most of the 2012 with thoracic outlet syndrome, will likely not pitch in 2013 after having trouble with offseason workouts.

In a news conference broadcast on local media outlets, Cardinals VP and General Manager John Mozeliak announced that Carpenter would "utlize the Mercy network" among others in finding a way forward, after the player notified the team Friday that he was unable to throw at a high velocity after otherwise having had "a normal offseason," according to Mozeliak. Mozeliak said there were issues with numbness and stingers in his shoulder and arm.

Mozeliak said it was "unlikely" Carpenter would pitch in 2013. He surprised many when he worked himself back into form to pitch late in the 2012 season after having surgery.

The team and Mercy announced last week that Mercy would be the official Medical Provider for the Cardinals, including the minor league system and the team's business offices. The agreement does not preclude a player from seeking out their own medical opinions.