With the MLB season three quarters of the way finished, the Cardinals are starting to catch the injury bug at an inopportune time. Just 2.5 games in front of the Reds in the National League Central, St. Louis doesn’t need any distractions as it makes its stretch run.
Shortstop David Eckstein strained his left oblique muscle in Friday’s 11-3 win over the Cubs. He suffered the injury during a collision with Chicago catcher Michael Barrett. Cardinals head trainer Barry Weinberg said seven to 10 days would be the best-case scenario for Eckstein. The injury to Eckstein means every Redbird infielder has missed some time due to injury this season.
Major league teams can expand their rosters Sept.1. The Cardinals might try to add a shortstop from another team. They could also promote John Nelson from their Triple-A affiliate in Memphis. Other possibilities include calling up an outfielder and rolling with the infielders they already have. Aaron Miles filled in for Eckstein over the weekend.
In addition to Eckstein, center fielder Jim Edmonds is also suffering from ailments. Edmonds can’t seem to shake off the cobwebs from a concussion he got robbing a home run from the White Sox’ Joe Crede. Edmonds played Saturday, but showed negative effects to the activity. Manager Tony LaRussa decided not to start him in Sunday’s game, but did place him in the outfield in the ninth inning.
