St. Louis Cardinals come up with changes for Interleague play – MLB News
A hip flexor injury seems to have influenced the decision of St. Louis Cardinals not to play Matt Holliday as a regular player. He will now be assigned the role of designated-hitter in the Interleague play. The decision came to fore on Tuesday, June 19, as the Cardinals struggle to ascend to top of the least in the National League.
With the decision that has come into effect, the Cardinals have also made sure that the injury does not worsen which can ultimately lead to further trouble not only for Holliday but also for the team. It was for this reason that Holliday was named for DH.
The Cardinals’ cautiousness at this stage is pretty comprehensible: They don’t want any of their big players to fall victim to big injuries which have the potential of unsettling things for the team.
Mike Matheny shed light on this aspect, and the reason why the team opted for putting Holliday’s name in the DH.
"It's something we just want to keep an eye on," Matheny said of Holliday's injury. "I think he also knows that there are a couple other guys who can use a day [as well]. That list of day-to-day guys has been pretty long all season."
The sooner his injury subsides, the better it is not only for himself but also for the team. It will also lend a great help to the defence considering the expertise and strength of Holliday.
On the other hand, the Cardinals also chose to activate Skip Schumaker for the Interleague series against the Detroit Tigers. The series which is to kick off from Tuesday, 19 June, will have Schumaker’s name in the 25-man roster.
"I think right now that's the best fit where we have need," Matheny said. "But he's still going to get some time at second base."
Schumaker was in disabled list since May 31, upsetting the balance for the Cardinals just when he was needed the most. The right hamstring strain has now healed, allowing the player to once again instil more strength to offensive and defensive position with his performance.
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