The Cardinals are trying to closeout the stretch run of the regular season. If they are to hang on for their third straight National League Central title, they will have to do it without the services of closer Jason Isringhausen who is out for the season.
Isringhausen will undergo arthroscopic hip surgery Thursday and will be on the shelf until next season. The team’s all-time saves leader did not join his teammates in Milwaukee Monday for their series opener against the Brewers. Instead, Izzy was in New York meeting with Tennessee Titans team doctor J. Thomas Byrd and two other doctors. Byrd will perform the season-ending surgery and there is no timetable as to when Isringhausen will return next year.
For Izzy, it will be the second procedure on the same hip in less than two years. He underwent the same type of surgery right after the 2004 World Series.
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It has been 32 days since David Eckstein made a start at shortstop for the Cardinals. He did make a pinch-hit appearance Monday grounding out. Eckstein is not certain as to when he will return. The pain in his right side that has sidelined him continues to give him problems. He has taken some batting practice, but feels strong pain when pivoting over second base.
Jim Edmonds missed his second straight road trip. The Gold Glove center fielder is listed as day-to-day and still suffers from post-concussion syndrome. Manager Tony LaRussa says he would not mind placing Edmonds on the team’s postseason roster if he recovers in time.
