Matt Holliday Unlikely to Play in NLCS Game Seven

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday was a late scratch from the Game Six lineup on Sunday night. Back tightness took hold of him during batting practice and Cardinals manager Mike Matheny felt it best to keep Holliday off the diamond. Holliday’s teammates couldn’t finish off the series on Sunday and now face a winner-take-all Game Seven versus the Giants tonight. Once again  they may be without their all-star left fielder.

Holliday missed Game Six and may not play in Game Seven. Image: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

According to a report from Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com, Holliday’s back tightened even more during the game, making his availability for Game Seven highly questionable.

"“We’ll see,” Matheny said, “when we get here tomorrow.”Holliday has fought back tightness throughout the season, though none of the episodes were serious enough to keep the veteran outfielder off the field long. He missed two games in June due to back spasms, and sat again on Sept. 5 with lower back pain."

If Holliday is again unable to answer the bell, look for Matt Carpenter to see another start. Carpenter has had great success versus Giants’ starter Matt Cain, including a two-run homer off the right hander in Game Three.