Rafael Furcal injury: Second opinion coming on elbow

We know that Rafael Furcal's elbow injury will keep him out of the St. Louis Cardinals' Opening Day lineup, but it's still unclear how long he'll be sidelined and what there is he can do to a speed up the recovery process. The veteran shortstop was re-examined by the team doctor on Monday, but Furcal's status will remain a mystery until he gets a second opinion from elbow specialist Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday, reports Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com:

Furcal is now set to see Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday for a second opinion.

The organization and Furcal should have a much better understanding of what the shortstop is dealing with and how it will have to be treated after that visit.

Over the weekend Furcal expressed frustration at the lingering injury -- which was actually deemed "completely healed" at one point this winter -- telling Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that his elbow was/is "not getting better," and that he tried to push it but just felt more pain.

Pete Kozma and Ronny Cedeno are in line to serve as Furcal's replacements for the time being, but if it is determined that the elbow injury will keep him on the shelf for a prolonged period, the Cardinals may pursue outside solutions to their issue at shortstop.

The Cardinals checked in on Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki back in December, but it's unknown whether the club still has interest there.