The Cardinals disabled list is growing longer and longer, and fans are constantly worried about the effect it will have on the team. The following injuries have been hampering the team, and here is what it could do to the Cardinals.

Chris Carpenter: Carpenter is on the 15-day disabled list, but probably will not rejoin the Cardinals until after the All-Star break. Carpenter has not played a game yet all year, and as the season wears on, the Cardinals will miss his fierce competitive nature, along with his excellent starts. In 2011, Carpenter had 11 wins, and a 3.45 ERA. He also started game seven of the World Series for the Cardinals.

Kyle McClellan: In the late innings, the Cardinals have often counted on Kyle McClellan to get big outs. He has also started games in the past. It appears that McClellan will probably not need Tommy John Surgery, but he probably will be out for an extended period of time.

Lance Berkman: Berkman provides the Cardinals with veteran leadership, and also with a productive bat in the middle of the order. Berkman has hit .333, but his time has been limited due to stints on the DL. Berkman tore his meniscus, and will more then likely be out six to eight weeks.

Allen Craig: Craig was also a Cardinal hero in the 2011 World Series Run. However, he will not be able to provide his bat in the order for at least 15 days. He has hit .373 so far, and his loss hurts the Card’s depth.

Jon Jay: Jon Jay has also been placed on the 15 day disabled list, hurting the Cardinals central core of outfielders. Jay has been consistent, and it will not be easy to get over his loss.

The injuries that Cardinals have experienced will not only test manager Mike Matheny, but also the core of young players being called up, including Matt Adams and Adron Chambers. If the younger players are able to stay consistent while other players are injured, the team should be fine. However, if they cannot, it could be a long few months for the Cardinals.

Photo by Chris Lee/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT