Brian34Cook

06.17.2008 4:55 pm
Molina returns; Wellemeyer skipped; Reyes to start
By Derrick Goold

Todd Wellemeyer will be skipped this time through the rotation to buy his irritated elbow another few days of rest. Manager Tony La Russa confirmed Tuesday that Anthony Reyes will be held aside — “as much as we can,” the manager said — to make the start for the Cardinals in the final game of this series against Kansas City. Wellemeyer returned from an irritation and impingement in his right elbow to throw Friday and said he still felt dogged by the soreness. The Cardinals do not see a reason to put him on the disabled list as they do not believe he miss any more starts than just one. La Russa said Wellemeyer could be rescheduled for a start early next week.

Sporting a scab on his cheek as on the only outward sign of his collision at home plate Sunday, catcher Yadier Molina took part in some pre-game activities Tuesday and rode a bike that afternoon. He said felt good and added that “in an emergency, I want to be ready to go tonight.” La Russa put the brakes on that assertion saying Molina, at best, would be ready for game action Thursday.

Albert Pujols, on the disabled list with a strained left calf, took groundballs today, participating lightly in the infield taken by the other infielders before batting practice.

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