Big series beginning tonight, and the Astros could be without 1B1 and 1B2.
Lance will ask to have tests run on his strained left calf today in Houston:
"I would imagine if it doesn't improve by (today) that we'll get at least some kind of a test done on it. They haven't told me that, but I'm going to request it. If it doesn't start feeling better, I want to know what's going on.”
Yeah...but...uh, it's the Cardinals:
"Cardinals or not, they're paying me a lot of money to play. So as soon as I think I can get out there I'm going to get out there. Certainly that's an important series for us, and I'd like to be able to play.”
And it looks even more likely that Darin Erstad is heading to the DL. Ed Wade:
"We talked (Saturday) night after the game and asked him to be candid with us. If he thinks it's something that's going to linger, let's shut him down. He understands that. His strength was good. His range of motion was good. He had gone about 10 days where I think he had one pinch hit appearance in 10 days before he played the other day. For it to reoccur, you just have to monitor it and ask him to be upfront with us if we think it's something that's going to linger. Obviously (trainer) Nate (Lucero) will give us his feedback as well.”
Maybe if Berkman was 100%, Erstad would get a chance to stay off the DL, but with both options at first base (not counting Chris Coste) hobbled, I'm guessing Erstad goes to the DL, and Matt Kata rejoins the team. Could be totally wrong, though.
In other news, Brocail will begin his rehab assignment tonight in Round Rock, and Kaz Matsui was out of the lineup so he could rest a sore hamstring, as well.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
