Matt Holliday Could Miss Remainder of NLDS
By Editorial Staff
Matt Holliday’s status for the National League Division Series remains up in the air. Holliday was again unable to start last night, and the Cardinals do not know when or in what capacity he will become available.
Holliday continues to be hampered by a hand injury that’s caused him to miss 12 starts over the past month. The middle finger of Holliday’s right hand has been diagnosed with tendinitis. Holliday’s inflamed tendon is impacting the slugger at the plate and in the field.
Before Saturday night’s playoff opener, Holliday took some throws as well as limited batting practice in an effort to test his injury. Though he didn’t make the start, Holliday did come on to pinch-hit in the 9th inning for the Cardinals. Holliday struck out, ending the game.
Holliday was said to have experienced excruciating pain during and soon after his at bat. The Cardinals were hoping to have Holliday ramp up his level of exertion Sunday to test the injury, but were instead forced to slow him down following his continued discomfort.
Holliday didn’t take part in batting practice before game two, saying that he was hoping to save his swings for another possible pinch-hit appearance. Instead, Holliday remained glued to the bench while the Cardinals fought back for a 5-4 victory.
At this point, the Cardinals continue to say the only remedy for Holliday’s injury is rest, while offseason surgery isn’t expected to be necessary. With Monday off, St. Louis hopes Holliday is able to show signs of improvement by tomorrow’s pivotal game three.
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa told reporters that he was less optimistic yesterday than he was Saturday concerning Holliday, but that he will be looking for positive news regarding the injury when the club returns to St. Louis.
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