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The 27-year-old underwent an MRI earlier this week that showed no structural damage, according to MLB.com.

Carlos Martinez injury update: Cardinals shut down pitcher for at least 2 weeks because of shoulder issue

Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez has been shut down for at least two weeks because of right shoulder weakness, the team announced Tuesday.

The 27-year-old underwent an MRI earlier this week that showed no structural damage, according to MLB.com. He will be re-evaluated again around March 5.

“It's just a matter of balance of strength and attention to it," St. Louis manager Mike Shildt told reporters. "The reason for the plan is about the season and the length of the season and the durability for him to be able to pitch in a long season.”

Martinez tallied an 8-6 record with a 3.11 ERA last season. But, he was limited to just 118 2/3 innings on the mound because of three separate trips to the injured list.

"I wanted to be smart about it so that I can pitch the whole year and it doesn't end up like last year," Martinez said through a translator. "I knew that was a possibility, and that's what I wanted to avoid. I think it's a lot better than last year, which is why I'm 100 percent sure that I'm going to be OK."

The two-time All-Star has spent all six of his MLB seasons with the Cardinals. He holds a 3.37 career ERA.

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