Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa could be in an unfamiliar position if his team finds itself in a close game in the final innings during the next week and maybe longer. That’s because closer Jason Isringhausen is out for at least a week and could miss the rest of the season with inflammation in his hip.

Izzy’s going out on a bad note after blowing his National League leading 10th blown save of the season Wednesday. He’s complaining of pain when he lands his plant foot during pitches. Isringhausen will meet with doctors Monday and expects to receive a cortisone shot.

LaRussa will consider Braden Looper and rookie Adam Wainright as replacements for Isringhausen. Looper was the closer for both the Marlins and Mets before coming to St. Louis. Wainright obviously doesn’t have any closer experience in the Majors, but he has been the most reliable reliever this season.