They won’t quite garner the nickname the “Big Three” but there’s no doubt how important Jason Isringhausen, David Eckstein, and Jim Edmonds are to the Cardinals.

All three players are currently injured and are in danger of missing the stretch playoff run. Isringhausen will be in New York this week for a string of test regarding his left hip. He’s facing multiple surgery options ranging from very minor to very serious. The most serious of surgeries could end his career.

Eckstein seems to be the most promising of the bunch to return at full strength. He joined the team on their trip to Milwaukee on Sunday and don’t be surprised if he plays before the series is over. Eckstein is recovering from a strained left side.

Edmonds didn’t fly to Milwaukee with the team; instead he stayed home in St. Louis to continue getting over post-concussion syndrome. Since suffering the concussion a month ago, Edmonds has struck out in five of his six at-bats.