Description: Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia, who has already been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left shoulder, will see Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday.
Insight: That's never a good sign. Garcia sat out from June 5 to Aug. 29 last year due to shoulder issues.
Description: St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday has usually been successful against Padres starter Edinson Volquez, batting .412 with a 1.268 OPS over 17 at-bats.
Insight: Holliday is slowly getting his batting average up after starting out hitting .233 over his first 17 games. Still, he's at a very un-Holliday-like .266 with a .783 OPS. This matchup might help.
Description: St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday will see Milwaukee starter Kyle Lohse Sunday, against whom he is 8-for-15 with one homer.
Insight: That's a .533 average. Holliday slowly but surely is getting his batting average up after starting out hitting .233 over his first 17 games. He's batting .299 with four homers, 14 RBI and a 12/7 K/BB over his last 22 contests.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran has hit .511 in 45 at-bats against Brewers starter Kyle Lohse, who was Beltran's teammate with the Cardinals last year.
Insight: Beltran is 23-for-45 with six doubles, four homers, 12 RBI and 11 walks against Lohse. The veteran is off to another tremendous start, slamming 10 homers and batting .295 with 27 RBI.
Description: Jaime Garcia's shoulder strain could open the door for Michael Wacha, the Cardinals' 2012 first-round pick, to join the team's rotation.
Insight: Wacha is 4-0 with a 1.89 ERA and a 32/14 K/BB in 47 2/3 innings at Triple-A Memphis this season, his first as a pro. John Gast already is up with the team following Jake Westbrook's injury, so Wacha could be the next man up.
Description: Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left shoulder.
Insight: Garcia sat out from June 5 to Aug. 29 last year due to shoulder issues. He'll see a doctor to determine his next course of action, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Surgery could be the choice since rehab last year didn't work.
Description: Cardinals right-hander Chris Carpenter (shoulder) is conditioning himself to be a starter, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: Carpenter told reporters in March that he was unlikely to pitch again due to a nerve irritation in his shoulder, but he has made a remarkable recovery and has been on a throwing program since the beginning of May. After throwing 30 pitches in the bullpen Wednesday, Carpenter will take two days off and throw an extended session Saturday during which he will take three breaks to simulate the changing of sides.
Description: St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday is not in the starting lineup for Thursday afternoon's game against the Mets, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Insight: He's getting a routine day off, giving Ty Wigginton a chance to start. Wigginton is 4-for-10 with two doubles, three RBI and five walks against Mets starter Jon Niese. Jon Jay is also out of the lineup, while Yadier Molina and David Freese return to action after their day off Wednesday.
Description: Cardinals left-hander John Gast is expected to get another start Sunday against the Brewers, according to Brian Stull of 101 ESPN.
Insight: Gast won his major league debut with six innings of four-run ball against the Mets Tuesday night. The 24-year-old went 13-7 with a 4.09 ERA while spliting time between the Texas and Pacific Coast Leagues in 2012, and was 3-1 with a 1.16 ERA and a 35/13 K/BB in 38 2/3 innings with Triple-A Memphis this year.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Mets.
Insight: Freese has been better as of late, hitting .282 in 39 at-bats since getting a few days off to work on his swing at the end of April, but he's still hitting .216 with zero homers.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran went 3-for-5 with a homer, four RBI and two runs Tuesday against the Mets, his former ballclub.
Insight: Beltran now has 10 homers and is hitting .303 on the year. He was hitting .295 with 13 homers after May 14 last season and had 20 homers before the All-Star break, but he wore down and hit .236 with 12 homers in the second half. If he shows signs of slowing down again in June or July, fantasy owners should be quick to shop him.
Description: As expected, Cardinals minor league prospect John Gast will get a start for injured Jake Westbrook on Tuesday. Gast was 3-1 with Triple-A Memphis with a 1.16 ERA and 35 Ks in 38 2/3 innings.
Insight: He went 13-7 with a 4.09 ERA while spliting time between the Texas and Pacific Coast Leagues in 2012. He gave up no earned runs in his first five minor league starts this season.
Description: Apparently St. Louis right-hander Chris Carpenter is not ready to give up on his baseball career, or for that matter, pitching this season, according to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch report.
Insight: The shoulder feels strong enough that Carpenter has begun a throwing program. It's part of a total-body approach to his recovery from multiple injuries over recent years. We have no timetable for a return or even if that's possible at this point, but we will continue to keep an eye out because a healthy Carpenter is a valuable fantasy asset.
Description: Cardinals minor league prospect John Gast is expected to be called up to make injured pitcher Jake Westbrooks' start on Tuesday versus the Mets. Gast is 3-1 with Memphis with a 1.16 ERA and 35 Ks in 38 2/3 innings.
Insight: He went 13-7 with a 4.09 ERA while spliting time between the Texas and Pacific Coast Leagues in 2012. Gast gave up no earned runs in his first five minor league starts this season. Shelby Miller isn't the only talented young pitcher in the St. Louis organization with fantasy upside.
Description: St. Louis ace Adam Wainwright had his no-hit bid broken up in the eighth inning Saturday against Colorado.
Insight: Wainwright ended up allowing just two hits in a complete game shutout. He walked one and struck out seven. Wainwright (5-2, 2.30 ERA) has held opponents scoreless in three out of his eight starts this season.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is getting the day off Saturday against the Rockies.
Insight: Beltran homered in Friday night's game to bring his total to eight for the season with 21 RBI and a .302 batting average. He's been particularly strong at Busch Stadium where he owns a 1.030 OPS this season vs. .824 on the road, so this day off is a little more costly than if the Cardinals were playing an away game.
Description: Cardinals starter Shelby Miller fired the best start of his major league career Friday against the Rockies, tossing a one-hit shutout and striking out 13 batters.
Insight: Miller didn't walk a batter and has a 51/11 K/BB in 45 2/3 innings. The right-hander is 5-2 with a 1.58 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP and has lived up to his billing as a top prospect despite a down year at Triple-A in 2012.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is just a .167 hitter (3-for-18) against Cubs right-hander Carlos Villanueva.
Insight: Molina is having another fine all-around season, batting .333 and playing great behind the plate. It's a getaway afternoon game after a night game, so he'll likely get the day to rest anyway and avoiding this matchup is the bonus.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig is 10-for-26 (.385) with a double, a triple, two homers, eight RBI and six runs during his current six-game hitting streak.
Insight: Craig didn't have a home run prior to this streak, but he now has two to go with 26 RBI, a .289 batting average and 15 runs, and he's capable of much more than that.
Description: The Cardinals activated Matt Adams (oblique) from the disabled list.
Insight: He's not in the lineup Tuesday against the Cubs and doesn't get regular playing time despite owning a .542 average and three homers in 24 at-bats this season.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is 6-for-18 (.333) against Chicago Cubs starter Travis Wood with a pair of home runs and a 1.111 OPS.
Insight: In fact, against the left-hander Wood, St. Louis has nine players with an OPS of 1.000 or better. This could be the day to load your fantasy lineup with Cardinals, starting with Holliday.
Description: The Cardinals sent infielder Jermaine Curtis to Triple-A which should mean first baseman Matt Adams will come off the disabled list in time for Tuesday's series opener with the Cubs.
Insight: Before Adams came up with a strained oblique he was hitting the cover off the ball, batting .542 with three home runs and eight RBI in eight games. St. Louis will have to find a way to get his bat in the lineup on a regular basis.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig hit his first homer of the season Saturday against the Brewers.
Insight: Craig went 2-for-4 and is batting .286 with nine doubles and 21 RBI, but he had not been able to put one out of the yard until Saturday. He hit 33 homers in 669 at-bats over the previous two seasons, so he should get it going in the power department eventually.
Description: Cardinals reliever Mitchell Boggs has been demoted to Triple-A Memphis.
Insight: Boggs was given the first chance to close after Jason Motte's elbow injury, but he has allowed 17 hits and 15 earned runs and walked 12 in 10 2/3 innings. Edward Mujica has performed well in the closer role, so Boggs can be dropped in all leagues.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran crushes former teammate Kyle Lohse, who is now with the Brewers. Beltran is 23-for-42 (.548) with six doubles, four homers, 12 RBI and 11 walks.
Insight: Beltran has been red hot for the past two weeks after a slow start and Lohse won't be able to slow him down Friday.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese will return to the lineup Thursday after missing two games, according to FOX Sports Midwest.
Insight: Cardinals manager Mike Matheny opted to give the slumping third baseman multiple days off to work on his swing. Freese is only hitting .163 this season.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams should be ready to return from the DL as soon as he's eligible. SOURCE: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Insight: Adams is still recovering from a strained oblique but it looks like he should be back for Tuesday's series opener against Chicago. He'll begin a rehab assignment for Double-A Springfield on Friday.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is 12-for-27 (.444) against Cincinnati right-hander Homer Bailey with a pair of home runs and a 1.352 career OPS.
Insight: Holliday went deep on Tuesday and has a favorable matchup on Wednesday afternoon. He should be in all fantasty lineups.
Description: Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia limited Cincinnati to one run on seven hits, walked none and struck out three in eight innings Tuesday.
Insight: Garcia is 3-1 with a 2.50 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. The left-hander was injured for a good portion of last season, but he has been a solid fantasy starter when healthy as long as you can take the hit in WHIP.
Description: Cardinals closer Jason Motte (elbow) threw about 25 times from 60 feet and then 10 times from 90 feet Tuesday and felt no pain, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: An MRI on April 9 revealed a torn UCL in Motte's right elbow, an injury that usually requires Tommy John surgery. The team gave the right-hander a deadline of May 1 to show improvement, and will likely extend that after Tuesday's session. There's a chance he'll be able to avoid surgery and return at some point this season, but it is slim.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese is not in the starting lineup Tuesday, and Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Freese could receive multiple days off as he tries to break out of a slump. SOURCE: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (stltoday.com)
Insight: "We've tried to let him play through it but he's not heading in a good direction," Matheny said. "So, at that point you say take a different perspective and give him a little bit of time to see how he responds. Last year we gave him two or three in a row, and he was able to get some work done and was a different guy." Freese is 0-for-15 over his last four games and 8-for-49 (.163) this season.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is just a .163 hitter (7-for-43) against Reds starter Bronson Arroyo.
Insight: Molina (.312, 2 HR, 15 RBI) should find a seat on your bench for Tuesday despite getting three hits in the series opener with the Reds. Numbers don't lie - avoid this matchup.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran (illness) is not in Monday's starting lineup.
Insight: Beltran has five homers over his last 10 days and has raised his average from .227 to .289 in that span. Manager Mike Matheny said Beltran will likely be available to pinch-hit Monday against the Reds.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran has taken Reds starter Mat Latos three times in 14 career at-bats.
Insight: Beltran was 4-for-12 in the most recent series with the Pirates including a pair of homers. He continues to swing a solid bat and the only question fantasy owners ever have with Beltran is concerning health.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Matt Adams has been moved to the disabled list.
Insight: He suffered a strained oblique earlier in the week. Adams has performed admirably in a part-time role this season (.542, 3 HR, 8 RBI in eight games). Of course, he won't be of any use to fantasy owners until he overcomes this injury.
Description: Cardinals outfield prospect Oscar Taveras is hitting .264 (14-for-53) with one homer, five strikeouts and three steals in his first 14 Triple-A games.
Insight: Taveras, who is considered the No. 3 prospect in baseball by MLB.com and Baseball America, hit .321 with 23 homers, 10 steals and a 56/42 K/BB in 124 games with Double-A Springfield last year and is just 20 years old.
Description: Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia bounced back from a poor outing his last time on the hill with 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball to beat Washington Wednesday afternoon.
Insight: Garcia gave up nine hits and eight runs (four earned) in three innings at Philadelphia in his last start. The lefty has a career 2.45 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP at home and a 4.43 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP on the road, so picking up a win at Washington on Wednesday is huge for his fantasy owners.
Description: Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter had three hits, including two doubles, in four at-bats Wednesday against the Nationals.
Insight: Carpenter scored two runs, giving him 18 on the year. He has replaced Jon Jay as St. Louis' leadoff hitter and should be owned in most leagues for his second-base eligibility.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday went 3-for-4 with an RBI Wednesday afternoon against the Nationals.
Insight: Holliday has gone 5-for-8 over the last two games to raise his average from .233 to .279. He has a 9/10 K/BB and hasn't struck out in the last four games.
Description: Cardinals' minor league prospect John Gast is turning head with the Memphis Redbirds. He's thrown 24 2/3 innings this season and has a 0.00 ERA, a 0.972 WHIP and 22 strikeouts against just six walks.
Insight: He went 13-7 with a 4.09 ERA while spliting time between the Texas and Pacific Coast Leagues. He won the PCL Pitcher of the Week award for April 22. Shelby Miller isn't the only talented young pitcher in the St. Louis organization with fantasy upside.
Description: Slumping Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay is getting another day off on Wednesday against the Nationals.
Insight: Jay is 0-for-19 over his last five games and is batting .197 on the year. He was dropped from the leadoff spot in favor of Matt Carpenter in his last game. This doesn't bode well for Jay's fantasy value.
Description: Cardinals backup first baseman Matt Adams is questionable for Wednesday's game against Washington with tightness in his right oblique.
Insight: The man can flat out hit (.542, 3 HR, 8 RBI in 24 at-bats) and at some point the Cardinals are going to have to find a way to get him in the lineup. He's batted over .300 in every minor league stop from rookie league to Triple-A. He doesn't currently have a spot in the lineup with Allen Craig in front of him on the depth chart.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay is getting a day off Tuesday against the Nationals.
Insight: Jay is 0-for-19 over his last five games and is batting .197 on the year. He was dropped from the leadoff spot in favor of Matt Carpenter in his last game.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran had been scheduled to get the day off on Monday but now he'll start in place of Matt Adams, who injured his right oblique during warmups.
Insight: Beltran has seen his batting average rise from .222 to .283 during his six-game hitting streak. He'll try and make it seven in a row Monday versus Dan Haren and the Nats.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is just 2.-for-18 against Phillies right-hander Kyle Kendrick.
Insight: Sometimes a guy just has your number, regardless of the disparity in talent level. Holliday is hitting just .246 this season, but does have a 9/10 K/BB and 12 RBIs. He's a risky play Sunday.
Description: St. Louis outfielder Carlos Beltran homered for the third straight day Saturday against the Phillies.
Insight: Beltran went 2-for-5 with an RBI Saturday night. His personal hot streak overcame his previous struggles against Cliff Lee. He carried a .158 averaged with five strikeouts in 19 career at-bats against Lee prior to Saturday. Beltran is now hitting .268 with four homers and 12 RBIs despite a slow start.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran has rarely been successful in his matchups with Phillies ace Cliff Lee. He's posted just three hits in 19 at-bats (.158) without a home run and just two RBI.
Insight: Beltran has homered in two straight games, but has gotten off to a relatively slow start this year, batting .255 with three homers in 51 at-bats. It would probably be best to avoid this matchup.
Description: Cardinals starter Lance Lynn one-hit the Phillies over seven scoreless innings Saturday night to improve to 3-0. Lance walked three and struck out eight.
Insight: Lynn has given up four runs in two of his starts, but one run or less in his other two. He has a 25/10 K/BB in 22 innings.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina will sit out for the first time this season Friday against the Phillies.
Insight: Fantasy owners have to be a little disappointed with manager Mike Matheny's decision to rest Molina, especially after the All-Star smashed three hits Thursday in a win over the Pirates. Molina (.300, 2 HR, 10 RBI) should be back in the lineup for the last two games of the series.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig is hitless in seven at-bats against Phillies right-hander Roy Halladay.
Insight: Craig is batting just .231 with zero homers this season after hitting .307 with 22 homers and 92 RBIs last year. Friday's matchup isn't likely to get him going.
Description: St. Louis reliever Edward Mujica closed out Philadelphia Thursday for his first save of the season.
Insight: There had been some rumors that Mujica would be taking over the closer role with both Mitchell Boggs and Trevor Rosenthal struggling. Mujica is no sure thing either, as he gave up two hits in the ninth inning Thursday, but he has a 1.10 ERA in 32 2/3 innings since joining the Cardinals from the Marlins last summer.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Phillies.
Insight: Beltran broke a 3-3 tie in the top of the eighth to help Adam Wainwright get win No. 3. He has gotten off to a slow start this year, batting .250 with two homers in 48 at-bats.
Description: Cardinals starter Shelby Miller pitched well but he was on the wrong end of a 5-0 loss Wednesday against the Pirates.
Insight: A.J. Burnett held the Cardinals to one hit in seven shutout innings, so Miller took the loss despite allowing just two runs on six hits in six innings. The 22-year-old right-hander has started out 2-1 with a 1.96 ERA and 0.87 WHIP and owns an 18/5 K/BB through 18 1/3 innings.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig is getting the night off Wednesday against the Pirates.
Insight: That will give hot-hitting Matt Adams a start at first base. Craig is batting just .224 with zero homers this season after hitting .307 with 22 homers and 92 RBIs last year. Meanwhile, Adams is 11-for-18 (.611) with three homers and eight RBIs this season. However, Craig's job is not in jeopardy.
Description: Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits in two innings Tuesday against the Pirates but the game was rained out after just two innings.
Insight: Westbrook's ERA will be reset to 0.00 through 15 2/3 innings, but this will only delay his inevitable downswing. He has a 4/10 K/BB this season.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday, on a seven-game hitting streak, is a career .133 hitter versus Pittsburgh starter James McDonald.
Insight: Add Holliday's bad numbers versus McDonald to those of Carlo Beltran and Jon Jay and you should probably avoid the entire top end of the Cardinals lineup, although Yadier Molina (4-for-8) could be the lone exception.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is just a .188 hitter against Pirates right-hander James McDonald without a home run and one RBI in 16 at-bats.
Insight: Beltran hasn't gotten it going yet this season, batting .222 with a home run and a .588 OPS. Avoid this matchup.
Description: St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina carries a .500 lifetime average versus Pirated starter James McDonald with a homer and a 1.556 OPS in eight at-bats.
Insight: Molina is currently on a seven-game hitting streak to raise his average to a respectable .271 with a pair of homers and seven RBI. His batting streak ought to continue through Monday.
Description: Cardinals closer Mitchell Boggs blew his second save of the season Sunday against the Brewers. He didn't even record an out in allowing a run on two hits in the top of the ninth.
Insight: Boggs took over for Jason Motte (elbow), but he has blown two saves, lost a game and allowed eight earned runs and six walks in 6 1/3 innings. We should eventually see flamethrowing Trevor Rosenthal claim the role, though Rosenthal allowed a two-run homer to Ryan Braun in the eighth inning Sunday.
Description: Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia blanked Milwaukee on seven hits in seven innings Sunday, but the bullpen blew his lead.
Insight: Garcia owns a 7.2 K/9 and 55 percent groundball rate for his career, which has helped him post a 3.42 ERA and 3.38 FIP. His ERA sits at 1.86 through three starts despite walking nine batters in 19 1/3 innings.
Description: Cardinals backup first baseman Matt Adams went 2-for-4 with his third homer of the season Sunday against the Brewers.
Insight: Adams is 11-for-18 (.611) with eight RBIs in his five appearances this season. However, he doesn't have a spot in the everyday lineup with Allen Craig at first base.
Description: Cardinals righthander Adam Wainwright tossed a shutout Saturday versus the Brewers.
Insight: He also had a great day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a couple of RBI. The 12 strikeouts Wainwright recorded were the most he's had since August 21st against Houston.
Description: Cardinals starter Shelby Miller spun a gem Friday against the Brewers, allowing just one hit over seven scoreless innings. He didn't walk a batter and struck out eight.
Insight: Miller's stock as a prospect took a hit after a posted a 4.74 ERA in 136 2/3 innings at Triple-A Memphis last season, but he still struck out 160 batters and holds great upside. He has started out 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA.
Description: If you look up the definition of "owning a pitcher" in the dictionary you will find the matchup between St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran and Milwaukee right-hander Kyle Lohse.
Insight: Beltran is 22-for-39 with 10 extra base hits, including four homers and 11 walks, for a .647 OBP and a 1.673 OPS. Despite a slow start this season (.214 batting average), Beltran is a must start.
Description: Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook fired a five-hit shutout Wednesday afternoon against the Reds.
Insight: Westbrook hasn't allowed an earned run over 15 2/3 innings this season, but he has a 4/10 K/BB. Look for the right-hander to revert to last season's form -- 3.97 ERA, 1.39 WHIP -- after a few starts.
Description: Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter had four hits, including his first homer of the season, two RBIs and two runs Wednesday afternoon against the Reds.
Insight: Carpenter is 11-for-18 with six RBIs and nine runs over his last four starts. Wednesday was his second start of the season at second base. He has been batting in a very favorable spot in the batting order -- second, in front of Matt Holliday.
Description: First baseman Allen Craig is not in Wednesday's starting lineup versus Homer Bailey and the Reds.
Insight: Craig does have a homer in three at-bats against Bailey, but he's struggled at the start of the season batting just .229 with a .577 OPS. Matt Adams, who hit a homer on Wednesday and is 7-for-11 this season, should get the start.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is a career .440 hitter versus Reds starter Homer Bailey with a pair of homers and a 1.321 OPS.
Insight: Holliday has a homer and five RBIs this season, but is just 6-for-28 (.214) with five strikeouts. He's no longer the superstar he was when he played half his games in Colorado, but he's still a 25-28 HR guy who can knock in 100 runs.
Description: St. Louis starter Lance Lynn was roughed up in his first start but he came out and fanned 10 Reds over six innings Tuesday to pick up his first win.
Insight: Lynn allowed one run on four hits and has a 4.50 ERA through two starts. He won 18 games last season and should be a fine fantasy option again after losing some weight in the offseason.
Description: The MRI on Jason Motte's right elbow revealed a tear to his ulnar collateral ligament, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Insight: The team will give him until May 1 to show improvement, otherwise he'll have Tommy John surgery. Fantasy owners should grab Mitchell Boggs if he's still available.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese (back) is not in Tuesday's lineup, but the team says his back is fine, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Insight: Freese missed the first week of the season with an injured tailbone but made his regular season debut Monday night. He did infield work and took batting practice Tuesday afternoon and showed no limitations. He'll be back in the lineup Wednesday.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay is 10-for-25 (.400) with four extra base hits versus Reds starter Bronson Arroyo.
Insight: Jay is a career .300 hitter, but is batting just .242 this season. He does have seven runs scored as the Cardinals' leadoff hitter. This matchup may get him going in the right direction.
Description: According to Cardinals.com, righthander Jason Motte will have another MRI on his injured elbow on Tuesday.
Insight: That doesn't sound very encouraging and it's also worth mentioning that Motte hasn't thrown a single pitch since straining his elbow in mid-March. He'll regain the closer's role once he's healthy but for now Mitchell Boggs will handle the ninth inning for the Red Birds.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese has been activated from the disabled list and should be in the lineup for Monday's home opener versus Cincinnati.
Insight: Freese injured his tailbone earlier this spring when he fell into the stands while trying to catch a foul ball and is still dealing with inflammation. He is coming off his best season to date - .293, 70 runs, 20 HR, 79 RBI.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is 4-for-11 (.364) with three homers against Reds starter Mat Latos.
Insight: Beltran has dealt with a nagging toe injury since spring training and started slowly, but does have five RBI in his last two games. We like him to continue to produce given this favorable matchup.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday will take a seat Sunday against the Giants. Matt Adams will start at first base and Allen Craig will get a start in left field.
Insight: Holliday has a homer and five RBIs this season but is 4-for-22 (.182) with five strikeouts. He is also 8-for-40 against Giants starter Matt Cain.
Description: It has been a mixed bag for Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday when it comes to hitting against Giants starter Matt Cain. He has three homers and six RBIs, but is 8-for-40 (.200) overall with 10 Ks.
Insight: Holliday has a homer and five RBIs this season but is 4-for-22 (.182) with five strikeouts.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is 7-for-18 with a homer and five RBIs against Giants starter Matt Cain.
Insight: Beltran has dealt with a nagging toe injury since spring training and started off 1-for-10 this season, but he went 2-for-4 with three RBIs in the game. He's a good bet to do well against Cain Sunday.
Description: St. Louis shortstop Pete Kozma is 7-for-20 with a homer and three RBIs in his first five games.
Insight: Kozma was thrust into a starting role after starting shortstop Rafael Furcal had to have Tommy John surgery. Kozma is a former first-rounder, but he only hit .236 in 2,429 minor league at-bats.
Description: Cardinals starter Shelby Miller's 2013 debut was a mixed bag, as he won the game by holding San Francisco to two runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings but also had a 4/4 K/BB.
Insight: Miller's stock as a prospect took a hit after a posted a 4.74 ERA in 136 2/3 innings at Triple-A Memphis last season, but he still struck out 160 batters and holds great upside. He should be owned in all 12-team mixed leagues.
Description: First baseman Allen Craig owns a career 1.855 OPS versus Giants left-hander Barry Zito with three home runs and a double in 10 career at-bats.
Insight: Craig is off to a slow start this season with just three hits in 17 at-bats, but became an everyday player for the first time in his career last season and showed that he could produce. In 514 plate appearances he posted a .307 batting average with 22 HR, 92 RBI and a .876 OPS. This favorable matchup could kick-start his season.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran will get a night off Wednesday against Arizona.
Insight: Matt Adams will start at first base and Allen Craig will take Beltran's place in right field. The 35-year-old Beltran will likely get routine days off to keep him fresh this season.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese will begin a minor league rehab assignment Thursday and hopes to return for Monday's home opener.
Insight: Freese injured his tailbone earlier this spring when he fell into the stands while trying to catch a foul ball and is still dealing with inflammation. He hasn't played nine innings in a game this spring so he'll need to work on his conditioning. Freese is coming off his best season to date - .293, 70 runs, 20 HR, 79 RBI.
Description: Shelby Miller has been confirmed as St. Louis No. 5 starter, beating out Joe Kelly.
Insight: Miller's stock as a prospect took a hit after a posted a 4.74 ERA in 136 2/3 innings at Triple-A Memphis last season, but he still struck out 160 batters and holds great upside.
Description: The Cardinals placed closer Jason Motte (elbow strain) on the DL, retroactive to March 22.
Insight: Motte (42 saves in 2012) was expected to be a top-five closer in 2013, but elbow injuries are always a cause for concern, even minor strains of the flexor tendon. Mitchell Boggs is expected to serve as the closer until Motte returns.
Description: Adam Wainwright has agreed to a five-year, $97.5 million extension with the Cardinals according to Fox's Ken Rosenthal.
Insight: We had heard that this was in the works and now the deal appears to be official. Wainwright is set to start for St. Louis Opening Night against the Diamondbacks.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain, retroactive to March 22. He's eligible to return on April 7, and the club is targeting the April 8 home opener as a return date. SOURCE: MLB.com
Insight: Freese injured his tailbone earlier this spring when he fell into the stands while trying to catch a foul ball and is still dealing with inflammation. He hasn't played nine innings in a game this spring so he'll need to work on his conditioning.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran (toe) returned to the lineup Tuesday and went 1-for-2 with two walks.
Insight: Beltran hit 32 homers and drove in 97 runs last season but he only hit .236 with 12 homers after the All-Star break. He's a long shot to play 151 games again like he did last year.
Description: Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to tightness in his left side, but manager Mike Matheny said that the move was precautionary. SOURCE: Tim Kurkjian, ESPN
Insight: Holliday could be back as early as Wednesday so fantasy owners shouldn't be worried.
Description: According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cardinals pitching prospect Shelby Miller appears to have the lead over Joe Kelly in the competition for the fifth starter job.
Insight: Miller's stock as a prospect took a minor hit after a posted a 4.74 ERA in 136 2/3 innings at Triple-A Memphis last season, but he still struck out 160 batters and holds great upside.
Description: Cardinals RP Mitchell Boggs should get closing opportunities with Jason Motte sidelined by a mild elbow strain.
Insight: Boggs pitched well in 2012 with a 4-1 record, 2.21 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, but owns a total of four saves in his career, so there is no guarantee that he'll be successful in the role of closer.
Description: Cardinals closer Jason Motte has an elbow strain and is expected to start the season on the disabled list. The MRI analysis called it a mild strain, according to Derrick Gold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: Motte (42 saves in 2012) was expected to be a top-five closer in 2013, but this injury should waive a huge red flag for fantasy owners. Mitchell Boggs is the most likely candidate to take over the closer role until Motte returns.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese will be in the lineup Thursday versus the Mets. Freese has been out with an injured tailbone.
Insight: Freese was never in any danger of missing the season opener and that's all fantasy owners care about. He hit a career-high 20 HR and was invited to his first mid-summer classic in 2012.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese has been dealing with a bruised tailbone but he is targeting Thursday for a return to the lineup. SOURCE: Jenifer Langosch, MLB.com
Insight: Freese hasn't played since last Thursday but the team hasn't indicated that he is in any danger of missing Opening Day.
Description: St. Louis righthander Chris Carpenter acknowledged that his baseball career is likely over. SOURCE: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Insight: A shoulder injury will cost Carpenter the entire 2013 campaign. Now it looks like he'll collect his last check for $12.5 million and call it a career. Carpenter was a Cy Young award winner in 2005 when he finished the year at 21-5 with a 2.83 ERA and 213 strikeouts.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese is expected to be sidelined for the next fews days after re-injuring his back. SOURCE: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Insight: If Freese played in the AL, he could probably get away with DHing until he felt healthy enough to play the field again. Since that isn't the case, the Cardinals will be without him for a while. We're still two weeks away from Opening Day and there hasn't been any indication that Freese won't be ready by then. For now, the Cards are simply playing it safe with their All-Star third baseman.
Description: Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright will be the team's Opening Day starter.
Insight: Not unexpected. After missing the entire 2011 campaign due to injury, Wainwright started slowly last season, but his post-All-Star numbers were solid (7-5, 3.28 ERA, 1.135 WHIP).
Description: St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Carpenter has answered every question this spring and appears to be the team's everyday second baseman, according to Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: Carpenter hit .294 with an .828 OPS last season in 296 at bats and has continued to pound the ball this spring (.382). He could end up being a decent late-round flier.
Description: First baseman/outfielder Allen Craig has agreed to a five-year, $31 million contract extension with St. Louis.
Insight: Craig became an everyday player for the first time in his career last season and showed that he could produce. In 514 plate appearances he posted a .307 batting average with 22 HR, 92 RBI and a .876 OPS.
Description: Jenifer Langosch from MLB.com is reporting that Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal will undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
Insight: Barring some kind of medical miracle, we won't see Furcal on the field this season. With Furcal sidelined, Pete Kozma (.333, 2 HR, 14 RBI) and Ronny Cedeno (.259, 4 HR, 22 RBI) will platoon at shortstop for St. Louis. Neither is fantasy-worthy.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese left Monday's game with a sore back after falling into the stands while going after a foul ball.
Insight: It doesn't appear to be a serious injury. Freese is a solid fantasy third baseman who batting .293 with 20 HR and 79 RBI in his first full season. He won't make you forget Miguel Cabrera, but he won't kill you either.
Description: Starting pitcher Adam Wainwright has struggled so far this spring. In two outings he's pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up 12 hits and five runs.
Insight: After missing the entire 2011 campaign due to injury, Wainwright came back and won 14 games last season with a 3.94 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. As long as he's healthy, do what I do and for the most part, ignore spring training statistics.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal's recovery from an elbow injury isn't going as quickly as expected and it's beginning to look less and less likely that he'll be ready for Opening Day. SOURCE: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Insight: Same story, different year. Furcal has never been a quick healer, which is probably why he's only played 100 games once in his previous three seasons. Even when he's healthy, Furcal (.264, 5 HR, 49 RBI, 12 SB in 2012) is a late-round flyer at best.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran missed Saturday's exhibition against the Nationals because of a toe injury.
Insight: Beltran was left off the lineup sheet merely as a precaution and is still on track to compete in the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico. He led the Cardinals with 32 HR in 2012.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran said his right pinky toe is "painful" and said "who knows" when asked if the injury could affect his participation in the World Baseball Classic.
Insight: Beltran was struck in the toe by a pitch in Thursday's spring game but he doesn't have a fracture. It shouldn't affect his ability to start the season on time.
Description: Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter has been placed on the 60-day DL because of spine and shoulder irritation.
Insight: Maybe Carpenter should just hang it up already. He's almost 38 and he's only pitched a full season twice in the last six years. Fantasy owners can forget about Carpenter until further notice.
Description: St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal continues to be bothered by right elbow pain when he throws the ball. The team suggested that the switch-hitter only batted right-handed to limit the stress caused on his elbow. SOURCE: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Insight: Furcal missed the final two months of last season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament but said the ligament has not caused him any pain. The soreness is being caused by a bone spur in his elbow. Furcal and the Cardinals continue to say that the season opener is not a question.
Description: Cardinals right-handed pitching prospect Shelby Miller is dealing with shoulder tightness and will get a break from throwing. However, the Cardinals aren't concerned. SOURCE: Jenifer Langosch, MLB.com
Insight: "It was a little more lengthy of a soreness, so they want to make sure it’s nothing," Miller said. "That’s it. It’s nothing serious at all." Miller posted a 1.32 ERA with 16 strikeouts and four walks in 13 2/3 innings last September after struggling in Triple-A. He'll compete for a spot in the rotation this spring.
Description: St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal's injured right elbow is healed and he's been given no limitations in spring training, according to the Cardinals' website.
Insight: Furcal missed the final month of last season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. He batted .264 with 69 runs, 5 HR, 49 RBI and 12 SB in 121 games last season and is still the Cardinals' best shortstop option.
Description: St. Louis righthander Lance Lynn was asked to come into camp lighter and ready for a full season in the starting rotation and according to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch report he is 20 pounds lighter and in better shape than a year ago.
Insight: In 2011 Lynn was primarily a reliever and was forced into a starting role last season by injuries to the Cardinals rotation. He went 18-7 in 2012, but his second-half ERA and WHIP were significantly higher than before the All-Star break. The improved fitness could turn him into a fantasy stud.
Description: Cardinals lefthander Jamie Garcia (shoulder) has thrown off a mound five times in the past few weeks and will throw a bullpen session as early as Friday. SOURCE: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Insight: Garcia aggravated a shoulder injury during the playoffs last October. He has a small tear but opted from rehab instead of surgery. "Just based on seeing him throw one time he looks healthy, he's in good shape," Cardinals pitching coach Derek Lilliquist said. Garcia missed most of June and August and all of July with the injured shoulder last season but did go 4-3 with a 3.25 ERA in his final nine starts after returning.
Description: Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said Tuesday that starter Chris Carpenter is "very unlikely" to pitch in 2013. Carpenter is still feeling numbness, weakness and general discomfort in his right shoulder. SOURCE: MLB.com
Insight: Carpenter missed nearly all of 2012 because of thoracic outlet syndrome before returning for three starts during the regular season and three during the playoffs. He went 1-4 with a 3.23 ERA in those six starts.
Description: Brewers owner Mark Attanasio hasn't ruled out the possibility of adding free agent righthander Kyle Lohse. SOURCE: MLBlogs
Insight: Any team that signs Lohse will have to surrender a draft pick. Lohse's age has also been a deterrent (he turned 34 in October) but it's still pretty surprising that he hasn't generated much interest following his incredible 2012 campaign (16-3, 2.86 ERA in 33 starts).
Description: The St. Louis Cardinals signed lefty RP Randy Choate to a three-year deal.
Insight: Choate made 80 relief appearances last season for Miami (44) and the Dodgers (36) with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.650. He's got almost no fantasy value at this time, though he did pitch much better in Los Angeles with a 3.03 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 20 holds.
Description: Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles has confirmed that the Dodgers are interested in signing former Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse.
Insight: The Dodgers have also been in the market for Zack Greinke and Anibal Sanchez. If either of those signings fall through, you can bet Magic Johnson and company will make a strong push to add Lohse.
Description: Nick Cafardo from the Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox have "called about" free agent righthander Kyle Lohse.
Insight: Ben Cherington and the rest of the Red Sox front office insists the team is trying to get younger, yet they have already signed 37-year-old David Ortiz, are on the verge of signing Jonny Gomes (who turns 32 on Thursday) and now they appear to be interested in the 34-year-old Lohse. To Lohse's credit, he did have an outstanding season in 2012 (16-3, 2.86 ERA) and would probably be a cheaper alternative to some of the other big name pitchers on the market this winter including Anibal Sanchez and Zack Greinke. Lohse is said to be looking for at least a three-year deal.
Description: St. Louis GM John Mozeliak says that Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal's injured right elbow is now completely healed.
Insight: An MRI on Monday confirmed this. Furcal missed the final month of the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. He'll have a chance to compete for the team's starting shortstop job in spring training.
Description: Fox's Ken Rosenthal suspects that the Cardinals will try to trade infielder Skip Schumaker this winter.
Insight: Schumaker was horrendous during the playoffs (0-for-9 at the plate with three strikeouts) and at age 32, St. Louis would prefer to use Daniel Descalso at second base while he's still in his prime. He's never hit more than eight home runs in a season so Schumaker doesn't present any immediate fantasy value heading into 2013.
Description: Starting pitcher Adam Wainwright is hoping to sign a long-term deal with the Cardinals later this offseason according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: After missing the entire 2011 campaign due to injury, Wainwright came back and won 14 games this season while nearly leading the Cardinals to the World Series. If the two sides can't work out a deal, Wainwright will become a free agent after next season.
Description: St. Louis extended a qualifying offer to free agent righthander Kyle Lohse.
Insight: By doing this, the Cardinals protected themselves so that they will at least receive a draft pick if Lohse ends up leaving to sign with another team. Lohse is coming off a career year and is expected to net a multi-year deal.
Description: Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch suggested that the Cardinals could use Matt Carpenter as a second baseman next season.
Insight: Carpenter started two games at second this year but spent most of his time split between first and third base. He hit .294 this season in 296 at bats and should have some late round fantasy value in 2013.
Description: St. Louis GM John Mozeliak acknowledged that the team probably won't be able to retain starting pitcher Kyle Lohse when he becomes a free agent this offseason.
Insight: Lohse is coming off the best season of his career, posting 16 wins and a career-low 2.86 ERA in 211 innings. His final start of the year didn't go as well as he'd hoped (2 IP, 6 H, 5 ER in a Game 7 NLCS loss to San Francisco) but the 34-year-old should still be in line to make decent money this offseason, especially given the lack of high profile free agents available this winter.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina went 4-for-4 in Game 7 of the NLCS but had no help as his team was shut out by the Giants.
Insight: Molina had just two hits in the NLDS but he stepped up with 11 hits in 28 at-bats in the NLCS. The catcher is an NL MVP candidate following a .315, 22 HR, 76 RBI campaign.
Description: Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse did not step up in Game 7 of the NLCS Monday, giving up five runs on six hits in two innings Monday.
Insight: Just like Game 5 of the NLCS, St. Louis fell down big in an elimination game. However, there was no comeback this time as the Giants won 9-0 to advance to the World Series. Lohse will become a free agent and is unlikely to return to the Cardinals.
Description: Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday missed Sunday's NLCS Game 6 with lower back tightness and he's likely to miss Monday night's Game 7 for that same reason.
Insight: With Holliday out, Allen Craig moved to left field last night with Matt Carpenter taking over at first base. You can expect that same setup in Monday's night elimination game.
Description: Cardinals righthander Adam Wainwright could be available to pitch in relief Monday night in Game 7 of the NLCS.
Insight: Wainwright outdueled Tim Lincecum Thursday in Game 4 (7 IP, 4 H, ER, 5 K's). If Wainwright pitches Monday he won't be available to start Game 1 of the World Series Wednesday night in St. Louis, assuming the Cardinals make it that far.
Description: Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter wasn't sharp Sunday in Game 6 against the Giants. Carpenter allowed five runs in four innings before righthander Shelby Miller replaced him in the fifth.
Insight: Only two of the runs were earned thanks to a Pete Kozma fielding error in the second inning. After going 4-0 in last year's postseason, Carpenter is just 1-2 in this year's playoffs with a 2.63 ERA.
Description: St. Louis righthander Lance Lynn failed to make it out of the fourth inning for the second start in a row Friday against the Giants. He let in four runs (all unearned) on four hits over 3 2/3 innings.
Insight: All of the scoring against Lynn occurred in the fourth inning, when Lynn missed shortstop Pete Kozma on what should have been a routine throw to second base. Lynn could be used as a reliever if the series goes to a winner take-all Game 7 Monday night in San Francisco.
Description: Right fielder Carlos Beltran has returned to the Cardinals starting lineup for Friday night's NLCS Game 5 against San Francisco.
Insight: Matt Carpenter was originally slated to start but Beltran convinced manager Mike Matheny to put him back in the lineup after his knee felt good during pregame warm-ups. Beltran is a .227 lifetime hitter against Giants lefthander Barry Zito.
Description: First baseman Allen Craig "owns" Giants pitcher Barry Zito with a.400 batting average including three homers in 10 at-bats for a 1.855 OPS.
Insight: Craig hasn't done much in this postseason, batting .257, but does have a homer and five RBI. This matchup is too good to pass up.
Description: Cardinals right-hander Lance Lynn will start Game 5 of the NLCS against the Giants, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Insight: Lynn was rocked in Game 1 and didn't make it out of the fourth inning but St. Louis is sticking with the same rotation even though the Giants have juggled theirs.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran (knee) is not in the lineup for Game 4 of the NLCS, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: The MRI on Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran's left knee came back negative but he's still dealing with soreness. He'll be available to pinch hit. Allen Craig will move to right field and Matt Carpenter will start at first.
Description: If Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran (knee) plays in Game 4 of the NLCS Thursday he'll have a very favorable matchup against Giants starter Tim Lincecum. Beltran is 7-for-14 with three doubles, a homer, four RBIs and six walks against Lincecum.
Insight: The MRI on Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran's left knee came back negative. The veteran left Game 3 Wednesday with a knee strain and replacement Matt Carpenter hit what would prove to be the decisive two-run homer in the third inning. Carpenter will likely start if Beltran can't go.
Description: Cardinals closer Jason Motte should still be available for Game 4 of the NLCS despite picking up the final six outs of Game 3.
Insight: St. Louis manager Mike Matheny turned to Motte in the eighth and the closer blew away San Francisco for six outs on 19 pitches. Motte has recorded a win and three saves this postseason with a 1.23 ERA after saving five games with a 2.19 ERA in the 2011 playoffs.
Description: The MRI on Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran's left knee came back negative, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman. Beltran left Game 3 of the NLCS Wednesday with a left knee strain.
Insight: Matt Carpenter took over a belted a go-ahead two-run homer after Beltran exited and would likely start if Beltran can't go in Game 4.
Description: Matt Carpenter has faced Giants ace Matt Cain just four times, but he banged out four hits in their matchups.
Insight: Carpenter has yet to start a postseason game, but if he's ever going to start a game, today is the day. He batted .294 this season with 44 runs scored, 6 HR and 46 RBI in just 296 at-bats.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran left Game 3 of the NLCS Wednesday with a left knee strain.
Insight: Matt Carpenter took over a belted a go-ahead two-run homer later in the game. It's unclear if Beltran, a career .375 hitter in 31 postseason games, will be available for Game 4.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is a career .389 hitter (7-for-18) against San Francisco right-hander Matt Cain with four extra base hits and a 1.228 OPS.
Insight: Beltran has batted .414 in this year's postseason with four multi-hit games, three homers and a 1.397 OPS.
Description: Cardinals righty Lance Lynn didn't make it out of the fourth inning Sunday against the Giants.
Insight: He left after giving up four runs in 3 2/3 innings. In a perfect world, St. Louis would use Lynn as a reliever the rest of the way, but without Jaime Garcia, he's likely to remain in the starting rotation.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese went deep in the second inning of Sunday's NLCS Game 1 win over San Francisco.
Insight: Freese continues to be a dominant postseason force for the Red Birds. After hitting .397 with countless clutch hits in last year's run to the World Series, Freese is batting .360 in this year's playoffs with four RBI. He'll try to keep it going Monday night against Giants righthander Ryan Vogelsong.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran slugged his 14th career postseason home run Sunday in a win over the Giants.
Insight: Beltran has had a solid playoffs so far, hitting .385 over seven games. The 35-year-old should be in for another big day Monday in Game 2: he's hitting .364 for his career off of Ryan Vogelsong.
Description: St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday has a dismal .167 lifetime average versus Giants lefthander Madison Bumgarner.
Insight: Bumgarner is 0-2 against the Cardinals this season, but for some reason, he's always had Holliday's number. Holliday hit just .190 during the Division Series, though he was able to produce five RBI.
Description: Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright allowed six earned runs in 2 1/3 innings Friday in Game 5 of the NLDS against the Nationals.
Insight: Wainwright gave up seven hits, six of which were of the extra-base variety (3 HRs). Unless St. Louis can erase the huge deficit Wainwright's season will come to an end. The righty went 14-13 with a 3.94 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 198 2/3 innings in the regular season after missing all of 2011 following Tommy John surgery.
Description: Cardinals righty Adam Wainwright saw his team lose Game 1 of the series despite yielding just one earned run over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out 10 batters and walked three.
Insight: Wainwright was 1-1 against the Nationals during the regular season with a 7.27 ERA, so his NLDS outing was a huge improvement. He's always pitched well in the playoffs as his career .077 ERA will attest.
Description: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Cardinals lefthander Jaime Garcia is going to New York to visit an orthopedic specialist on Thursday, who will determine whether or not Garcia will need to have surgery on his injured shoulder.
Insight: Garcia was taken off the Cardinals' postseason roster after getting hurt in Monday's Game 2 against the Nationals. The 26-year-old went 7-7 with a 3.98 ERA during the regular season.
Description: St. Louis shortstop Pete Kozma clubbed his first postseason home run Wednesday in a win over Washington.
Insight: The three-run homer was Kozma's only hit of the day. Overall, Kozma has done pretty well filling in for Rafael Furcal at shortstop. Though he's just 2-for-14 in the playoffs, he finished the year with a .333 average in 72 at bats.
Description: St. Louis righthander Chris Carpenter tossed 5 2/3 shutout innings Wednesday in a win over Washington.
Insight: Carpenter continues to dominate the postseason. Over his last seven playoff appearances, Carpenter is 5-0 with a 2.81 ERA. For his career, he's 10-2 in the postseason with a 2.88 ERA.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is a career .667 hitter (8-for-12) against Nationals starter Edwin Jackson with a 1.881 OPS.
Insight: Molina (.315, 22 HR, 76 RBI) was one of the top fantasy catchers this season. He was hitless in his first two postseason games this year, but banged out a pair of hits in Game 3 and has a favorable matchup in Game 4. Start him.
Description: St. Louis rightfielder Carlos Beltran left the yard twice Monday in an NLDS Game 2 win over Washington.
Insight: Beltran has a history of turning it on during the postseason. In 25 career playoff games, Beltran has now hit 13 homers while driving in 22 runs. He's batting .320 against the Nationals this year with four homers and 10 RBI.
Description: First baseman Allen Craig blasted a home run Monday in the Cardinals' 12-4 victory over the Nationals.
Insight: Craig improved upon his 0-for-4 outing Sunday afternoon by going 3-for-5 in Monday's win. The series now shifts to Washington where Craig has hit .235 this season.
Description: Jon Jay had a productive game Monday against the Nationals. The St. Louis center fielder finished the afternoon 2-for-5 with three RBI.
Insight: Jay also had a stolen base for the Cardinals who have tied the series at one a piece. St. Louis must now travel to Washington for the final three games of the series.
Description: Cardinals lefthander Jaime Garcia came out of Monday's start after just two innings and has been sent for an MRI on his left shoulder.
Insight: Garcia has struggled with shoulder issues on and off all season so this isn't out of the blue. Lance Lynn would be the likely replacement if Garcia is unable to make his next start.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese has only faced Washington Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann twice, but he has a double and a home run in those at-bats.
Insight: The 2011 World Series MVP had his best season, batting .293 with 20 HR and 79 RBI in 144 games. He was 2-for-4 in the NLDS opener and is a must start in this favorable matchup.
Description: Cardinals righty Adam Wainwright will start Sunday's Game 1 of the NLDS versus Washington.
Insight: Wainwright is 1-1 against the Nationals this year with a 7.27 ERA. Jaime Garcia (7-7, 3.92 ERA) will get the start for St. Louis Monday in Game 2.
Description: Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse allowed two runs over 5 2/3 innings Friday night in a 6-3 win over Atlanta.
Insight: Lohse wasn't particularly sharp on Friday but he was still able to record his first victory in five career postseason starts. Lohse will start Game 4 of the NLDS against Washington, assuming a fourth game is necessary.
Description: St. Louis outfielder Matt Holliday smashed two hits Friday in a 6-3 win over Atlanta including a solo homer in the top of the sixth inning.
Insight: The solo blast was Holliday's eighth postseason home run. Holliday and the Cardinals now head back to St. Louis to take on the NL East Champion Nationals in the NLDS.
Description: With the Cardinals already locked into a one-game playoff versus the Braves on Friday, manager Mike Matheny has elected to rest most of the team's starters Wednesday against Cincinnati.
Insight: Carlos Beltran, David Freese, Matt Holliday, Yadier Molina and Jon Jay will all be given the night off. St. Louis enters Friday's play-in game with a 1-5 record against Atlanta this season.
Description: St. Louis righthander Kyle Lohse has been picked to start Friday's one-game playoff versus Atlanta.
Insight: Lohse has been dominant for much of this season, so this one was a no-brainer for Cardinals manager Mike Matheny. Lohse (16-3, 2.86 ERA) gave up five runs in five innings of work and got a no-decision in his only game against the Braves this season.
Description: St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday is a career .440 hitter (11-for-22) with a pair of homers and a 1.321 OPS against Reds starter Homer Bailey.
Insight: Holliday has been solid again this season, batting .295 with 95 runs scored, 27 HR and RBI. He should finish the regular season with a flurry in this favorable matchup.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is 4-for-8 against Cincinnati right-hander Mat Latos with three homers and a 2.261 OPS.
Insight: Beltran may not be Albert Pujols, but as the primary offseason acquisition to replace his bat Beltran did a nice job batting .271 with 32 HR, 97 RBI and 13 stolen bases. He "owns" Latos and as long as the injury-prone outfielder is in the starting lineup he should be in yours as well.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Pete Kozma has 12 RBIs in his last eight games.
Insight: Kozma, a first-round pick in 2007, was called upon with Rafael Furcal out for the season and he has been excellent. In his last seven games coming into Monday, Kozma is batting .500 with two homers and 11 RBIs.
Description: First baseman Lance Berkman called it "a long shot" that he'll be able to play in the postseason for St. Louis. Berkman has missed most of this month after undergoing a knee procedure.
Insight: This news doesn't come as too much of a surprise. Expect the Cardinals to continue to use Allen Craig (.310, 22 HR, 91 RBI) as their starting first baseman.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese is hitless in 10 official at-bats against Reds right-hander Bronson Arroyo.
Insight: The 2011 World Series MVP struggled in August, but has returned to form in September. Freese's overall numbers are worthy of a fantasy starter at third base (.294, 20 HR, 79 RBI). However, he should not be in fantasy lineups on Monday.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay is a career .455 hitter (10-for-22) against Reds starter Bronson Arroyo with a 1.227 OPS
Insight: Jay is hitting a solid .306, but without much power. He's hit just four homers and has a mediocre .775 OPS. His 19 steals make him worth a roster spot as a backup.
Description: Cardinals starter Lance Lynn has surprisingly returned to form since rejoining the rotation on Sept. 13. After not winning a game since July 27, Lynn has won five straight decisions and four straight starts.
Insight: The Cardinals moved the struggling Lynn to the bullpen in mid-August but Jake Westbrook's injury has forced St. Louis to place him back in the rotation. He's responded by going 4-0 with a 2.19 ERA. He also picked up a win in his last appearance out of the bullpen, giving him 18 on the season.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran went deep twice and drove in five runs in four at-bats Sunday against Washington.
Insight: Beltran came in hitting just .226 with 10 homers and 27 RBIs in 66 games since the All-Star break, but he turned in a performance Sunday reminiscent of the first half.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese will be back in the lineup Sunday after missing the last four games with an ankle sprain suffered during pre-game warmups Monday.
Insight: Freese (.296, 20 HR, 79 RBI) has followed up his World Series heroics with a solid season, making him one of fantasy's top 10 third base options.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese will be available to pinch-hit Saturday against Washington. He's dealing with a sprained right ankle.
Insight: Freese (.296, 20 HR, 79 RBI) was expected to return Friday versus Washington but didn't.
Description: St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday is day-to-day with a left elbow contusion, according to B.J. Rains of FoxSportsMidwest.com. The outfielder left Friday's game after being hit by a pitch.
Insight: The Cardinals were leading 9-1 in the sixth inning at the time of the HBP. Holliday has been dealing with back tightness as of late so you have to wonder why he was even in the game at the time he was hit.
Description: St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday left Friday's game after being hit in the left elbow by a pitch.
Insight: The Cardinals were leading 9-1 in the sixth inning at the time of the HBP. Holliday has been dealing with back tightness as of late so you have to wonder why he was even in the game at the time he was hit.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese is out of the lineup again Friday with an ankle injury.
Insight: Freese (.296, 20 HR, 79 RBI) was expected to return Friday versus Washington but he'll miss at least one more game. The third baseman was injured during pre-game warmups on Monday.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese won't be available for Wednesday's game against the Astros. Freese is still recovering from a right ankle injury.
Insight: Freese (.296, 20 HR, 79 RBI) is expected to return Friday versus Washington. Matt Carpenter (.299, 6 HR, 44 RBI) will make the start at third for the Cardinals.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is getting the night off Wednesday against Houston.
Insight: The Cardinals haven't locked up the Wild Card yet but with a four and a half game lead and only seven games left, they'd really need to mess up in order for another team to make it. Adron Chambers (.234, 0 HR, 4 RBI) will get the start in right tonight with Beltran (.266, 30 HR, 91 RBI) out.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Allen Craig is a career .500 hitter versus Houston righthander Bud Norris with a pair of homers and a 1.533 OPS.
Insight: The injury to lance Berkman allowed Craig to get plenty of at-bats this season ands he's produced - .309, 22 HR, 89 RBI. He's become a viable fantasy option at first base. Start him on Wednesday against Norris.
Description: The Cardinals have officially ruled shortstop Rafael Furcal out for the season. Furcal has been out since the end of August because of an elbow injury.
Insight: St. Louis was holding out hope that Furcal (.264, 5 HR, 49 RBI) would be able to return late in the season or in the playoffs but it was always a bit of a long shot. He should be fine for the start of spring training next season.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese injured his right ankle in warmups and had to come out of Monday's game in the first inning.
Insight: Matt Carpenter (.300, 6 HR, 44 RBI) took over for Freese at third base and he's likely to start their again if Freese (.296, 20 HR, 79 RBI) is unable to play on Tuesday.
Description: Right fielder Carlos Beltran has returned to the Cardinals' starting lineup. He'll bat second Monday night in Houston.
Insight: Beltran didn't start Sunday's game because of an illness, though he was able to contribute an RBI single later in the game as a pinch-hitter. The 30 homers Beltran has this year are the most he's had in a season since 2007.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is questionable for Monday's game against Houston with lower back spasms.
Insight: Molina (.319, 20 HR, 70 RBI) was injured trying to get out of the way of a Carlos Marmol pitch last Saturday. He said he felt much better on Sunday, but did not play. It appears that he could play on Monday.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran will take a seat Sunday versus the Cubs.
Insight: Beltran has struck out nine times in his past five contests and is only hitting .232 since the All-Star break. He's been slightly better this month, collecting a .286 average in 56 September at bats.
Description: St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday carries a .500 career average against Sunday's starter Justin Germano.
Insight: Holliday (.298, 27 HR, 98 RBI) has had a brutal two-month stretch at the plate, hitting .251 since Aug. 1, but he should be able to produce solid numbers Sunday.
Description: According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina left Saturday's game due to lower back spasms.
Insight: That's somewhat good news since the early prognosis was an injured oblique. Molina was injured trying to get out of the way of a Carlos Marmol pitch Saturday.
Description: St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina left Saturday's game in the ninth inning after injuring himself trying to get out of the way of a Carlos Marmol pitch.
Insight: The early prognosis is an injured oblique, but we'll keep you posted when more news becomes available.
Description: Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook (oblique) is likely done for the season. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Westbrook said it's hard to imagine getting a start now this season after feeling pain during his bullpen session Saturday.
Insight: Westbrook walked off the mound and returned to the clubhouse a few pitches into his bullpen session Saturday. He hasn't started since Sept. 8. If he is indeed finished for the season he'll end with a 13-11 record, 3.97 ERA and 1.39 WHIP.
Description: It's a small sample size, but Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay has had great success against Cubs starter Travis Wood, going 5-for-9 (.556) with two RBIs against the lefty.
Insight: The lefty-lefty matchup with Wood hasn't bothered Jay, who's hitting .308 with four homers and 18 steals in 107 games this season.
Description: Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter returned to the rotation Friday against the Cubs and took a no decision after throwing five strong innings.
Insight: Carpenter hadn't pitched since last October due to thoracic outlet syndrome. St. Louis let him throw 77 pitches Friday and will likely extend him further in his next start. He'll face the lowly Astros next, so he's worth an add.
Description: Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia tossed his second straight quality start Thursday against the Astros.
Insight: Garcia (5-7, 4.25 ERA) picked up just his second victory since mid-May Thursday by allowing three runs on six hits in six innings against Houston Thursday. The lefty is 2-3 with a 3.89 ERA in seven starts since returning from the disabled list.
Description: Fantasy owners will be glad to have St. Louis first baseman Allen Craig on their squad Thursday when the Cardinals take on the Astros. Craig is hitting .455 for his career against Houston righthander Bud Norris.
Insight: Norris (5-12, 4.93 ERA) has been dealing with the flu, so he won't be at 100 percent for this start. Look for Craig (.305, 21 HR, 83 RBI) to tee off against him Thursday afternoon at Busch Stadium.
Description: According to Fox Sports Midwest, Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman hasn't ruled out the possibility of returning for the postseason or even the end of the regular season.
Insight: Berkman had knee surgery last week but seems to be recovering quickly. Even if he does come back for a few games, Berkman (.263, 2 HR, 7 RBI) won't be a reliable fantasy option.
Description: Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter was encouraged by his 95-pitch simulated game Saturday, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Insight: Carpenter will return to the rotation next week provided his body responds well over the next two days to Saturday's simulated game. Carpenter hasn't pitched in the major leagues since last October while dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder.
Description: If Chris Carpenter's simulated game goes well on Saturday, he should be in line to return to the Cardinals' rotation sometime next week.
Insight: If Carpenter starts on a normal rest, he'll make his season debut Thursday against Houston. Carpenter hasn't pitched in the major leagues since last October while dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder.
Description: St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday carries a .412 lifetime batting average against Dodgers starter Josh Beckett.
Insight: Holliday (.301, 26 HR, 94 RBI) should be able to rebound from his 0-for-4 outing Wednesday with Beckett (.6-13, 5.05 ERA) on the mound tonight at Dodger Stadium.
Description: Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia will start Saturday against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, according to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The team had been toying with the idea of moving his start back due to his road struggles this season.
Insight: Garcia is 2-5 with a 6.19 ERA in nine road starts this season, so he makes for a risky start Saturday against the Dodgers.
Description: Injured Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter could make his return to the rotation within the next week according to MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch.
Insight: He threw a simulated game Monday and is scheduled for another one on Saturday. Carpenter has missed the entire 2012 season so far while dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman is set to undergo season-ending surgery on his right knee.
Insight: The operation will happen on Tuesday. This could very well be the end of Berkman's 14-year career. He finishes the season with just two home runs and seven RBI in 31 games played.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese will start Monday's series opener against the Padres. Freese sat out Sunday's game with a sore ankle.
Insight: Freese is starting to get back on track (.348 average this month) after a horrible August (.213 with 23 strikeouts in 89 at bats).
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese won't be on the field for Sunday afternoon's game versus the Brewers.
Insight: Freese is coming off of a two-hit performance on Saturday. Matt Carpenter (.301, 4 HR, 40 RBI) will take over at the hot corner with Freese on the sidelines.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is getting the night off Saturday against Milwaukee.
Insight: He's 0-for-13 in his last three starts and hasn't recorded an extra base hit since August 22nd. This isn't the Beltran we saw before the All-Star break (.296, 20 HR, 65 RBI in the first half compared to .203, 8 HR, 21 RBI after the break).
Description: Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday was scratched from Friday night's starting lineup after a two hour and 30 minute rain delay.
Insight: Manager Mike Matheny didn't want Holliday to reinjure himself on the wet field. If the weather improves Saturday, you can expect Holliday to be in the starting lineup. It's possible we could even see him as a pinch-hitter later on in tonight's game.
Description: St. Louis outfielder Matt Holliday is back in action after missing Wednesday's game with a sore back.
Insight: Holliday is starting in left field and batting third Friday against the Brewers. He's hitting .286 since the All-Star break with 11 homers and 36 RBI.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday left Tuesday's game in the seventh inning with lower back tightness and is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against New York.
Insight: Holliday is considered day-to-day. He's having an excellent season, batting .305 with 25 HR and 92 RBI, and is a must start when healthy.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday left Tuesday's game in the seventh inning with lower back tightness, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Insight: Holliday is considered day-to-day. St. Louis has a day game Wednesday so you can expect him to sit.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is out of the lineup again Tuesday due to a bruised knee.
Insight: Beltran (.267, 28 HR, 85 RBI in 127 games) is batting just .180 over the past four weeks with a .551 OPS. The knee injury is not considered serious but these minor bumps and bruises are clearly taking their toll on the veteran.
Description: St. Louis shortstop Rafael Furcal will undergo plasma therapy on his ailing elbow on Tuesday.
Insight: Furcal (.264, 5 HR, 49 RBI) had been set to have season-ending Tommy John surgery but that procedure appears to be off the table now that tests have shown that Furcal's UCL isn't actually torn. It's a long shot, but Furcal could still be back before the end of the year.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is not in Monday's starting lineup against New York with a bruised left knee.
Insight: Beltran (.267, 28 HR, 85 RBI in 127 games) has begun to struggle with aches and pains and it's effecting his hitting. He's batting just .180 over the past four weeks with a .551 OPS. That's certainly not the same production level we saw from him earlier this season.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is doubtful for Monday's game against New York with a bruised left knee.
Insight: Beltran (.267, 28 HR, 85 RBI in 127 games) has begun to struggle with aches and pains and it's effecting his hitting. He's batting just .180 over the past four weeks with a .551 OPS. That's certainly not the same production level we saw from him earlier this season.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal will not undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery so he might be able to return this season, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Insight: Furcal will try to rehab and return in 4-6 weeks. However, there's almost no chance he'll play in another regular season game, so fantasy owners can cut him loose.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Washington. No injury, just rest.
Insight: Beltran (.267, 28 HR, 85 RBI in 125 games) has been able to avoid the injury bug for most of the season and rewarded those fantasy owners who took a chance with him.
Description: Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter is making progress in his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome and hopes to be able to return to the major leagues some time in September.
Insight: Carpenter was declared out for the season following a surgery he underwent in July so this news comes as a bit of a surprise. If Carpenter pitches the way he did last year when St. Louis completed its improbable run to the World Series (4-0, 3.25 ERA in six postseason appearances), it would provide a monumental boost to a team currently struggling to hold onto the final National League Wild Card spot.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal has been diagnosed with a torn UCL in his right elbow. He's out for the season, according to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: The team has yet to make a decision on whether or not Furcal will undergo Tommy John surgery.
Description: Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia was excellent in his first start back from the disabled list but his next two have not gone as well. Garcia took another loss Thursday against the Nationals.
Insight: Garcia has allowed 10 earned runs on 16 hits in his last 11 1/3 innings. Give him one more start to see if he gets things turned around.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman (knee) will be activated from the DL Saturday, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Insight: Berkman played his final rehab game Thursday for Triple-A Memphis, going 1-for-1 before being removed in the first inning due to rain. He isn't expected to cut into Allen Craig's playing time, however, as he isn't healthy enough to play everyday. Expect Berkman to serve as a pinch-hitter for the Cardinals down the stretch, making him worthless in fantasy leagues.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is in the lineup Thursday, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com. He missed Wednesday's game after suffering several upper body injuries in a home-plate collision Tuesday.
Insight: Make sure Molina is in your lineup tonight. The St. Louis catcher is 7-for-8 in his career versus Washington starter Edwin Jackson.
Description: Yadier Molina probably won't play Thursday night but if he does, you better have him in the lineup. The St. Louis catcher is 7-for-8 in his career versus Washington starter Edwin Jackson.
Insight: Molina was involved in a home plate collision on Tuesday night so his status for tonight's game is uncertain.
Description: The Cardinals are keeping catcher Yadier Molina out of Wednesday's game versus Pittsburgh as a precaution after the All-Star catcher was involved in a home plate collision with Pirates infielder Josh Harrison on Tuesday night.
Insight: Despite taking a brutal hit at home plate, Molina passed a concussion test and was begging manager Mike Matheny to let him play on Wednesday, though Matheny wouldn't allow it. Backup Tony Cruz (.245, 1 HR, 10 RBI) will grab the start in Molina's place tonight.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran has three homers and is batting .400 in 20 at-bats against Pittsburgh hurler Wandy Rodruguez.
Insight: Beltran (.269, 28 HR, 85 RBI in 121 games) has been able to avoid the injury bug for most of the season and rewarded those fantasy owners who took a chance with him. Wednesday is another chance to be rerwarded.
Description: The Cardinals announced that catcher Yadier Molina left with an upper back, neck and shoulder strain and is day-to-day, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Insight: The Pirates Josh Harrison collided with Molina at the plate in the bottom of the second inning. Molina is lucky he escaped without a concussion.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina left Tuesday's game after a collision with Josh Harrison of the Pirates.
Insight: According to the Cardinals' official Twitter page, Harrison's left shoulder appeared to connect with Molina's left temple area. Harrison is only 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, so hopefully Molina avoided a concussion.
Description: Cardinals starter Lance Lynn has been moved to the bullpen after posting a 6.20 ERA and 1.82 WHIP in August. Joe Kelly will start Wednesday against the Pirates.
Insight: St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said the situation will be evaluated start-to-start, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Prospect Shelby Miller is a candidate for a rotation spot when the rosters expand in September.
Description: Cardinals pitching prospect Shelby Miller appears to have turned a corner, posting a 57/4 K/BB ratio in his last 47 2/3 innings.
Insight: Miller has a 3.40 ERA in that span after posting a 5.75 ERA and a 94/46 K/BB in his first 83 innings. Miller is likely to replace Lance Lynn in the rotation when rosters expand in September, according to the Sporting News.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is just 2-for-12 (.167) against Pirates starter James McDonald.
Insight: Holliday is smoking hot over the past six games, batting .481 with a home run and nine RBI and McDonald has struggled, so perhaps Holliday can overcome his bad history.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese is still out with an injured wrist. He'll miss Monday's series opener versus Pittsburgh.
Insight: Freese claims his wrist feels fine so it shouldn't be long before we see him on the field again. Matt Carpenter (.310, 4 HR, 33 RBI) will take over for Freese at the hot corner Monday night.
Description: Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse has yielded two runs on less in each of his last four starts and won his last six decisions to post an incredible 13-2 record.
Insight: Add in that Lohse has always "owned" the Pirates with an 8-2 lifetime record and you should jump on this bandwagon.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday has snapped out of a vicious slump with four multi-hit games in his last five.
Insight: Holliday went 4-for-5 with four RBIs Sunday, his second game with four RBIs in his last four. The outfielder went 3-for-36 (.083) from Aug. 12-21, but he appears to be back on track.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday should be poised for a strong performance Sunday against Reds starter Homer Bailey. In 22 at bats against him, Holliday is hitting .409 with two homers and four RBI.
Insight: Since going 0-for-7 last Sunday in an extra innings loss to the Pirates, Holliday has rebounded nicely, going 8-for-22 with four RBI. Look for him to have even more success Sunday versus Bailey (10-8, 4.11 ERA).
Description: Yadier Molina is questionable for Sunday's matinee against Cincinnati because of a sore ankle but if he plays, you can expect him to put up solid numbers against Homer Bailey. The Cardinals catcher is a .462 career hitter versus the Reds righty.
Insight: Molina's average has risen from .317 to .328 during his recent 14-for-25 hot streak so he should be a strong play Sunday, assuming he's back in the lineup.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran has faced Reds starter Mike Leake 12 times and only managed one hit in the matchup.
Insight: Beltran (28 HR, 85 RBI in 118 games) has been able to avoid the injury bug for most of the season and rewarded those fantasy owners who took a chance with him. However, sit him on Saturday.
Description: Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman is leaning toward retirement at the end of the season.
Insight: Berkman (.267, 2 HR, 7 RBI) has only appeared in 28 games for St. Louis this season while dealing with knee injuries. He's on a rehab assignment now but he should be back in the big leagues soon. Either way, we wouldn't expect much from the fragile veteran the rest of the way.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran has faced Reds starter Mat Latos just eight times, but he's gotten on base six of the eight times, including three homers.
Insight: Beltran (28 HR, 85 RBI in 117 games) has been able to avoid the injury bug for most of the season though he missed a game earlier in the week due to a sore hand. As long as he is in the Cardinals lineup, he should be in yours.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese punished the Astros for three hits Thursday including a three-run shot in the bottom of the fourth inning as the Cardinals won 13-5.
Insight: Freese (.298, 17 HR, 70 RBI) has already surpassed his previous career-highs in home runs and RBI this year and it's looking like he could come close to 100 runs driven in by season's end.
Description: Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse has quietly continued his April success over the entire season.
Insight: Lohse (13-2, 2.61 ERA) held Houston to two runs on three hits in seven innings Wednesday. Lohse has allowed three runs on less in 23 of his 26 starts this season.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is back in the lineup Wednesday after sitting out Tuesday due to hand soreness.
Insight: Beltran has been able to avoid the injury bug all season aside from some minor bumps and bruises. The outfielder is having his best season since 2007, hitting .278 with 28 homers, 85 RBIs and 13 steals.
Description: St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright is just 11-10 this season, but he's currently as hot as he's been all season. In his last three starts he's 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA and 0.863 OPS.
Insight: Wainwright has always dominated the Houston bats, with a 11-1 career mark, a 1.73 ERA and a stellar 1.030 WHIP. Make sure he's in your starting lineup on Tuesday.
Description: The only way St. Louis starter Jaime Garcia's return to the rotation Sunday against Pittsburgh could have gone better was if he received a win. Garcia returned from a two-plus month absence with eight dominant innings.
Insight: St. Louis let Garcia throw 107 pitches over eight innings, and the lefty held the Pirates to two unearned runs on five hits (0 BB, 10 K) in a no decision. Garcia should be added in most leagues, as he has more upside than any pitcher you're likely to find in the free agent pool at this point in the season.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is doubtful for Friday's game against Pittsburgh with tightness in his lower back.
Insight: Molina is in the midst of a second consecutive fine season with the bat which has fantasy owners smiling. Expect Tony Cruz (.224, 1 HR, 8 RBI) to handle the catching duties while Molina is sidelined.
Description: St. Louis righthander Jaime Garcia's recovery from a strained shoulder is complete. He'll start Sunday's game against the Pirates.
Insight: Garcia's last appearance in the majors came back on June 5 when he lasted only two innings against the Astros. The 26-year-old had been 3-4 with a 4.48 ERA before suffering the shoulder injury.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina will sit out Wednesday's game versus the Diamondbacks while battling lower back stiffness.
Insight: Molina (.312, 16 HR, 54 RBI) has dealt with several minor injuries this season but none of them have kept him out for long. Expect the same with this injury.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is 5-for-10 (.500) versus Arizona starter Joe saunders with a pair of homers and a 1.845 OPS.
Insight: Beltran (.281, 28 HR, league-leading 83 RBIs) has stayed healthy enough to play in 110 of the Cardinals 116 games. He's been a huge part of the Cardinals offense and helped many fantasy owners as well.
Description: Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia (shoulder) has struck out 20 batters in 17 2/3 innings during his minor league rehab assignment.
Insight: Garcia hasn't pitched for the Cardinals since the first week of June due to a shoulder impingement. The lefty ramped it up to 93 pitches with Triple-A Memphis Tuesday and is on track to return to the rotation this weekend. Garcia has the talent to be a difference maker down the stretch, so make the add if you need pitching help.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is 6-for-17 (.353) versus Arizona starter Ian Kennedy with a pair of homers and a 1.332 OPS.
Insight: Beltran (.284, 28 HR, league-leading 83 RBIs) has produced well above expectations this season, including staying healthy enough to play in 109 of the Cardinals 115 games.
Description: St. Louis center fielder Jon Jay is hitting .474 (18-for-38) with nine runs scored in his last 10 games.
Insight: Jay has followed up a 2-for-24 slump with a nice streak to get his average to .312. He's worth an add if you're in need of a short-term spark, but don't expect him to offer much pop.
Description: St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina will sit out Sunday's game against Philadelphia.
Insight: Molina (.315, 16 HR, 54 RBI) ended an 0-for-8 stretch with a pair of hits on Saturday. Backup catcher Tony Cruz (.215, 1 HR, 8 RBI) will get the start in Molina's place Sunday in the series finale.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is 2-for-15 (.133) versus Phillies lefty Cliff Lee.
Insight: Beltran (.286, 28 HR, league-leading 81 RBIs) has produced well above expectations this season, staying healthy enough to play 107 games to date. Saturday, however, is not a good matchup for the switch hitter.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is 14-for-43 (.326) with a pair of homers versus Phillies ace Roy Halladay.
Insight: Beltran (.284, 27 HR, league-leading 80 RBIs) has produced well above expectations this season, staying healthy enough to play 106 games to date. Keep putting him out there and reaping the rewards.
Description: Cardinals 1B/OF Allen Craig is back in the lineup Thursday after missing Wednesday's game with soreness in his chest near his ribs, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: Craig missed Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong's gem (7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER) Wednesday but he'll get a crack at left-hander Madison Bumgarner Thursday. Craig is hitting .365 with seven homers in 85 at-bats against lefties this season and has three hits in 11 at-bats against Bumgarner in his career.
Description: Cardinals 1B/OF Allen Craig is not in Wednesday's lineup coming off a multi-homer game Tuesday. Craig is dealing with soreness in his chest near his ribs, though X-Rays came back negative, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: Craig is available to pinch hit Wednesday and could return to the lineup Thursday.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is 4-for-9 (.444) with a homer and a 1.500 OPS in his career against San Francisco Giants hurler Ryan Vogelsong.
Insight: Beltran (.286, 26 HR, league-leading 76 RBIs) has produced well above expectations this season, staying healthy enough to play 104 games to date. Keep putting him out there and reaping the rewards.
Description: Cardinals 1B/OF Allen Craig had two solo home runs against the Giants Tuesday, his 16th and 17th of the season.
Insight: Craig played eight games at second base last season so he may have eligibility there as well. With a .298/.362/.573 slash, 17 homers and 58 RBIs, Craig should be owned in all formats.
Description: Cardinals second baseman/outfielder Skip Schumaker is a .583 hitter (7-for-12) against Giants starter Barry Zito.
Insight: Some fantasy owners might shy away from using Schumaker (.321) because of his lack of power (no homers in 165 at bats this season) but he does have a respectable .835 OPS.
Description: St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright fired his second complete game of the season Saturday against the Brewers to improve to 9-10 on the season.
Insight: Wainwright (9-10, 4.02) held Milwaukee to one run on five hits and walked none against seven strikeouts Saturday. The right-hander has registered a 2.38 ERA and a 39/5 K/BB in 41 2/3 innings over his last six starts and a 3.23 ERA with an 90/17 in 94 2/3 innings over his last 14.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is back in the lineup Friday against Milwaukee after missing Thursday's game with a sprained thumb.
Insight: Hopefully this thumb issue won't hinder Molina's performance at the plate. He had been on fire prior to getting hurt (7-for-15 over his last three games).
Description: St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman has been placed on the disabled list after reinjuring his right knee Thursday night against the Rockies.
Insight: The Cardinals hadn't been using the often injured first baseman very much anyway, so this shouldn't affect many fantasy teams.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is doubtful for Friday's game against Milwaukee with a sprained right thumb.
Insight: Molina will undergo X-rays Friday, so don't expect him to play until Saturday at the earliest. Hopefully this is just a minor bruise and not a break or tear as his numbers have been top-five catching fantasy material (.310, 16 HR, 52 RBI, .865 OPS).
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman is a .091 career hitter (3-for-33) versus Milwaukee lefty Randy Wolf.
Insight: Berkman (.267, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs) hasn't hit well since the All-Star break batting just .182 in 33 at-bats since the break. He is a must sit on Friday.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is out of Thursday's lineup due to a sprained thumb he suffered on an awkward slide into first base Wednesday, according to MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch.
Insight: Molina will undergo X-rays Friday, so don't expect him to play until Saturday at the earliest. Hopefully this is just a minor bruise and not a break or tear.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman won't start Wednesday night's tilt against the Rockies.
Insight: Berkman (.282, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs) hasn't started a game for St. Louis since Saturday and at this point, he can be disregarded in all fantasy formats.
Description: Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia (shoulder) could return in two weeks if all goes well with his rehab assignment. Garcia will make his second rehab start Friday at Double-A Springfield, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: Garcia hasn't pitched for the Cardinals since the first week of June. The team had Garcia visit several doctors for varying opinions on his shoulder and elbow in June before he was diagnosed with a shoulder strain. Fantasy owners should stash the lefty, as he could be a nice mid-tier arm down the stretch.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran came into Sunday's game against the Cubs hitting .187 (14-for-75) in July but he managed to knock one out of the park in the eighth inning off reliever Shawn Camp.
Insight: Beltran (.282, 23 HR, 73 RBIs) has excellent career numbers against Cubs starter Paul Maholm but he wasn't able to scratch out a hit against the lefty Sunday. However, Beltran was able to go deep against the Cubs 'pen for his third July homer.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese has always struggled against Paul Maholm. He's batting only .182 against the Cubs lefty in 11 at bats.
Insight: Freese (.314, 14 HRs, 58 RBIs) is back in the lineup Sunday after missing two games in a row with leg cramps but maybe he should have sat out one more day. Do what the Cardinals should have done and leave Freese on your bench today.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran has owned Paul Maholm in 21 career at bats against him (.429, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs).
Insight: Beltran (.283, 22 HRs, 72 RBIs) is only 3-for-22 (.136) in his last five games but we expect him to break out of his slump Sunday against Maholm (9-6, 3.88 ERA).
Description: St. Louis shortstop Rafael Furcal is missing Sunday's game against Chicago because of lingering shin and back pain.
Insight: Neither injury appears to be too serious so Furcal (.272, 5 HRs, 42 RBIs) should be fine to return to the lineup after the Cardinals off-day on Monday.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Chicago. No injury, just a day of rest for the 34-year-old.
Insight: Furcal reached .370 on May 16, but is now batting .272. Needless to say, he needs to start hitting again to be a useful fantasy asset.
Description: St. Louis left fielder Matt Holliday homered for the second day in a row Friday in a 9-6 win over Chicago.
Insight: The home run was one of three hits on the afternoon for Holliday, who is batting .392 with six homers and 18 RBIs since the start of the month.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Chicago.
Insight: Beltran has 22 HR and 71 RBIs and is putting together his best season since 2006. He's been a great fantasy bargain and as long as he stays healthy should continue to please fantasy owners. Beltran said he thought he would be in Friday's lineup and expects to play on Saturday.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay has only faced Cubs starter Travis Wood eight times in his career, but he's gotten on base all but once with a .833 batting average and 1.875 OPS.
Insight: Jay batted .400 over the past week. Though his "doubles power" doesn't usually excite fantasy owners, he's worth taking a flier on Friday's favorable matchup.
Description: Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday busted his 17th homer of the season Thursday afternoon in a 7-4 triumph over Los Angeles.
Insight: Holliday (.319, 17 HRs, 64 RBIs) started off the season by hitting just .215 in the month of April but since then he has hit .355 with 13 jacks and 51 RBIs.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman hasn't been in the lineup the past three days while dealing with a sore knee but it's possible he could return to the starting nine Friday afternoon against the Cubs.
Insight: Berkman (.281, 1 HRs, 6 RBIs) walked in a pinch-hitting appearance on Wednesday night, which is a good sign. His knee still seems fragile right now so even if Berkman returns on Friday, don't expect him to be an everyday player for St. Louis going forward.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese was removed from Thursday's game because of leg cramps but the injury doesn't appear to be serious and he's hopeful that he'll be back in the starting lineup Friday versus the Cubs.
Insight: Freese (.314, 14 HRs, 58 RBIs) had been 3-for-3 with two RBIs at the time of his departure. He's on a nine-game hitting streak and has raised his batting average by 20 points since the beginning of the second half. Freese is as safe a bet as you're going to find in fantasy right now.
Description: St. Louis third baseman David Freese left Thursday's game with a cramping in his right calf.
Insight: Freese went 3-for-3 with two RBIs Thursday and is batting .460 (29-for-63) with 10 RBIs and a 6/12 K/BB ratio. He's one of the better fantasy third basemen out there. The injury shouldn't be anything too serious.
Description: Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina has turned into an elite fantasy catcher but Thursday does not present a favorable matchup for him.
Insight: Molina (.303, 15 HR, 49 RBIs, 39 R, 8 SB) has a .328 average in 64 at-bats against lefties this season but he is just 3-for-16 (.188) in his career against Dodgers starter Chris Capuano.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman is a solid play if he is in the lineup Thursday against the Dodgers. Berkman has a .364 career average in 22 at-bats against left-hander Chris Capuano.
Insight: Berkman has a bruised right knee after he was hit there Tuesday by Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw. With another lefty on the hill Thursday, St. Louis may choose to sit the switch-hitter again to protect his knee.
Description: St. Louis outfielder Matt Holliday is 8-for-23 (.348) in his career against Dodgers starter Chris Capuano.
Insight: Holliday is batting .317 this season but he's been even better than that in the last three months. Since May began, Holliday is batting .352 with 22 doubles, 12 homers, 50 RBIs and 41 walks in 73 games. Thursday should be another solid day for the hulking outfielder.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal is batting .219 (51-for-233) in his last 58 games, but he does have 13 hits in 44 at-bats in the second half and a favorable matchup Thursday against Dodgers starter Chris Capuano.
Insight: Furcal reached .370 on May 16 and then went into a dramatic tailspin, but he has slowly been getting his average back up. Plus, he is 8-for-22 (.364) in his career against Capuano.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman didn't start Wednesday after he was hit in the knee with a pitch Tuesday.
Insight: Berkman is batting just .182 in nine games since he returned from his last injury. The first baseman said he just has a bruise. He should be back in the lineup by the weekend.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman is questionable for Wednesday's game against Los Angeles. He left Tuesday's game after being hit on the right knee by a Clayton Kershaw pitch.
Insight: Berkman is batting just .182 in nine games since he returned from his last injury. Fantasy owners would love him to be in Wednesday's lineup as he's blasted seven home runs off Dodgers starter Aaron Harang in his career.
Description: St. Louis outfielder Matt Holliday is a career .095 hitter (2-for-21) versus Dodgers starter Aaron Harang with six strikeouts and no extra base hits.
Insight: Holliday is as hot as any hitter batting .429 this week and .397 over the past four weeks with an OPS of 1.142. However, Wednesday is a bad matchup and you shouldn't expect much.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman left Tuesday's game after being hit on the right knee by a Clayton Kershaw pitch.
Insight: Berkman initially stayed in the game but had a difficult time advancing to second on a single. The first baseman is batting just .182 in nine games since he returned from the disabled list and will likely need a day or two off to rest the knee injury.
Description: Cardinals 1B/OF Allen Craig is not in Monday's lineup. Craig is resting a sore quad, according to MLB.com.
Insight: The Cardinals have been able to get Craig (.304, 14 HR, 47 RBIs) in the lineup as much as possible even with Lance Berkman back from the DL. The utilityman is working on a six-game hitting streak.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman is a career .111 hitter (2-for-18) against Dodgers righty Chad Billingsley.
Insight: Berkman has struggled since returning from injury, batting .167 since the All-Star break. Sit him on Monday due to the unfavorable matchup and his cold bat.
Description: St. Louis outfielder Matt Holliday is a career .320 hitter (8-for-25) versus Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley with three homers and a 1.234 OPS.
Insight: Holliday is as hot as any hitter since a slow April. From May 1 through Sunday, he's batting .359 with 12 HR and 50 RBI in 70 games. He's a must-start on Monday.
Description: Cardinals starter Lance Lynn won his second straight decision with six scoreless innings Sunday against the Cubs.
Insight: Lynn (12-4, 3.10) has answered the call after he took several blows on the chin in three starts from June 19-30 (15 1/3, 17 ER). Since that rough patch, the right-hander is 2-0 with a 0.47 ERA in 19 innings.
Description: Center fielder Jon Jay went 4-for-4 with a double and two RBIs Sunday against Chicago to get his average back above .300.
Insight: Jay hasn't provided much production since he returned from the disabled list in late June. He's nothing more than a fifth outfielder in deeper leagues at this point.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal is out of the lineup for St. Louis' series finale against the Cubs on Sunday.
Insight: Furcal was dropped to eighth in the batting order for the series opener but he returned to the leadoff spot Saturday after a strong showing on Friday (2-4 with a double). He's hitting .279 for the season with five homers and 38 RBIs. Furcal has also stolen 12 bases.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman will be on the bench Sunday when the Cardinals take on the Cubs.
Insight: Given Berkman's age and recent injury history, we'd expect him to see more days off than usual during the second half of the season. He finished 2-for-5 with a double in Saturday's 12-0 victory to move his average to .283 for the year.
Description: Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook held the Cubs scoreless on three hits in seven innings Saturday to improve to 8-8.
Insight: Westbrook has been solid if unspectacular this season. Consider him on par with pitchers like Bronson Arroyo as back-end fillers for your rotation.
Description: St. Louis outfielder Matt Holliday has returned to the Cardinals starting lineup for Friday night's game against the Cubs. Holliday had missed the past couple of days because of a bruised thigh.
Insight: He's starting in left field and batting third. Prior to Tuesday night's game against Milwaukee when he hurt his leg, Holliday (.316, 14 HRs, 59 RBIs) had been on a 15-game hitting streak. He hit .390 during the streak with two homers and 12 RBIs.
Description: Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia (left shoulder strain) threw a bullpen session on Wednesday.
Insight: A month ago he was visiting Dr. James Andrews, so this is great news. Garcia was 3-4 with a 4.48 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 11 starts, but owns a career 3.28 ERA and 1.32 WHIP.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal is a career .146 hitter (6-for-41) against Cubs starter Ryan Dempster with 11 strikeouts.
Insight: Furcal is batting just .222 over the past four weeks and the combination of a cold bat and a poor matchup should earn him a spot on your bench this Friday, not the starting lineup.
Description: Cardinals second baseman/outfielder Skip Schumaker is a .431 hitter (22-for-51) against Cubs starter Ryan Dempster.
Insight: Some fantasy owners might shy away from using Schumaker (.318) because of his lack of power (no homers in 129 at bats this season) but if you want a guy who can give you pure average, look no further.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman is 19-for-65 (.292) with six homers and 16 RBI in his career against Ryan Dempster. He's also struck out 20 times.
Insight: Berkman is 0-for-10 over his last six games and admits to a "slow bat" so he might not be the guy to start on Friday.
Description: St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter will have season-ending surgery to fix his thoracic outlet syndrome on Thursday.
Insight: Carpenter's performance in October (4-0, 3.25 ERA in six starts) was a big reason why the Cardinals were able to win their 11th World Championship last season. But after missing all of 2003, most of 2007 and 2008 and now all of 2012 with injuries, you have to wonder how much more Carpenter's 37-year-old body can really take before he starts thinking about calling it a career.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee. Another rest day.
Insight: Beltran leads the NL in RBIs with 66 and is putting together his best season since 2006. He's been a great fantasy bargain and as long as he stays healthy should continue to please fantasy owners.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee with a bruised left thigh. He exited Tuesday's game after being hit by a pitch.
Insight: Holliday has been on fire this past month, batting .410 with a 1.048 over the past 22 games.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is questionable for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee with a bruised left thigh. He exited Tuesday's game after being hit by a pitch.
Insight: Holliday has been on fire this past month, batting .410 with a 1.048 over the past 22 games. He's a must start if he is in the Cardinals lineup.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday exited Tuesday's game after being hit on the left knee by a pitch.
Insight: Since May 1, Holliday is batting .355 (87-for-245) with 10 homers and 46 RBIs in 65 games, so any time he has to miss would be a big blow to fantasy lineups.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay will take a seat Tuesday against Milwaukee.
Insight: Jay (.296, 2 HRs, 12 RBIs) has gotten off to a slow start in the second half. He's just 1-13 with five strikeouts over his last four games. He wasn't in last night's starting lineup either as Jay entered the game later on as a defensive replacement.
Description: St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman will take the night off Tuesday against the Brewers.
Insight: Look for the Cardinals to be very cautious with their veteran slugger over the next few weeks as he recovers from a mid-season knee surgery brought on by a torn meniscus. Berkman (.298, 1 HR, 4 RBIs) is hitless in five at bats since being activated from the DL on Saturday.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman has never had much success against lefty Randy Wolf, batting just .094 (3-for-32) over his career.
Insight: Berkman is hitless in five tries since returning from injury. Perhaps he could have used a minor league rehab assignment to get him used to live pitching. Don't start him on Tuesday.
Description: Cardinals starter Lance Lynn turned in his second straight solid start Monday against Milwaukee, fanning 10 Brewers and allowing just one run on six hits in seven innings in a no decision.
Insight: Lynn (11-4, 3.27) has rebounded with two excellent starts after three straight poor efforts to end June. The St. Louis right-hander should continue to produce at his current level but the Cardinals may choose to shut him down at some point to preserve his arm.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Milwaukee. Rest day.
Insight: Beltran leads the NL in RBIs with 65 and is putting together his best season since 2006. He's been a great fantasy bargain and as long as he stays healthy should continue to please fantasy owners.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman will start Sunday for the first time since May 19. Berkman spent two months on the DL due to a torn meniscus.
Insight: St. Louis determined that Berkman wouldn't need a minor league rehab assignment before it activated the first baseman. Berkman will likely see regular rest at first, but he can be started in most formats when he's in the lineup.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman is expected to return to the St. Louis lineup Saturday against the Reds, but a better idea would be to start him Sunday as he's just 1-for-11 (.091) against Reds starter Mike Leake.
Insight: The injury was originally thought to be an ACL tear, but was only a meniscus tear and he should be good to go for the second half. Berkman was hitting .333 with one homer and four RBIs in 13 games before the injury.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman will return to the St. Louis lineup Saturday against the Reds. He's missed the last two months after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.
Insight: The injury was originally thought to be an ACL tear, which would have sidelined Berkman for the rest of the season and could have possibly ended his career. Instead it was only a meniscus tear and he should be good to go for the second half. Berkman, who did not require a minor league rehab assignment, was hitting .333 with one homer and four RBIs before the injury.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran has faced Cincinnati righty Mat Latos just six times in his career, but has three homers and a 3.833 OPS.
Insight: The sample size is obviously very small, still three homers in four official at-bats (two walks) is hard to ignore. Beltran has been a major force at the plate, hitting .296 with 20 homers, a league-leading 65 RBIs and eight steals in 82 games. He's a must-start on Friday.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman (knee) will travel with the team to Cincinnati and remain on the disabled list Friday as he proves to the team he can regain his timing at the plate without minor league at-bats, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reports.
Insight: If Berkman can prove to St. Louis' coaching staff that he's ready to go, he can be activated as early as Saturday. If not, he'll likely be sent out on a rehab assignment.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal's two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning lifted St. Louis to a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over the Marlins on Sunday.
Insight: Furcal also contributed an RBI single in the fifth so it was a pretty productive afternoon for the 34-year-old. Furcal got off to a roaring start this season (.333, 4 HRs, 23 RBIs in April/May) but since June began he has had a much harder time at the plate (.190, 1 HR, 13 RBIs).
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman (knee) will begin a minor league rehab assignment next weekend, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: Berkman will likely return during the Cardinals second series of the second half against Milwaukee, which starts July 16. Berkman was initially ruled out for three months, but he hasn't even missed two full months yet and he's already on his way back.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal hit .176 in June and has started off 6-for-30 in July as his average has slipped to .273. In the final game before the All-Star break, Furcal won't have a favorable matchup as he'll face Miami right-hander Anibal Sanchez.
Insight: Furcal is just 2-for-16 (.125) in his career against Sanchez. Take him out of the lineup and hope he can get back into a groove in the second half.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran will start in the All-Star game for the National League, and he'll have one last favorable matchup before the break to pad his stats. Beltran is 7-for-18 with a homer and four RBIs in his career against Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez.
Insight: Beltran has been a major force at the plate, hitting .300 with 20 homers, 65 RBIs and eight steals in 81 games. Sunday will give him a chance to add to those stats prior to the break.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is a .500 career hitter against Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez. Holliday has seven hits, including two homers, in 14 at-bats against the right-hander.
Insight: Holliday has been destroying opposing pitchers regardless of past history, so be sure to have him in the lineup Sunday as he faces Sanchez.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig went 3-for-4 Saturday to bust out of a brief slump.
Insight: Craig hit four homers in four games from June 29 to July 2, but he followed that up with three straight 0-for-4 performances and a 1-for-4 effort Friday as his average fell below .300. You can get the first baseman back in your lineup.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal is is questionable for Saturday's game against Miami with a sore leg.
Insight: Furcal is stumbling of late, batting just .191 over the past four weeks. He's still posting solid year-long numbers .276, 54 runs, 5 HR, 33 RBI, 9 SB.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is a career .200 hitter (5-for-25) versus Miami hurler Carlos Zambrano with five strikeouts.
Insight: Holliday might just be the hottest hitter in baseball, batting .425 over the past four weeks with a 1.187 OPS so he may be able to overcome this unfavorable matchup.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is a career .476 hitter (10-for-21) versus Miami starter Ricky Nolasco with a pair of homers ans a 1.429 OPS.
Insight: Holliday might just be the hottest hitter in baseball, batting .434 over the past four weeks with a 1.201 OPS. Combined with a favorable matchup makes Holliday a must-start.
Description: With Chris Carpenter out for the season, the Cardinals may be looking for starting pitching help. However, the only starter at Triple-A Memphis with an ERA below 4.88 is Brandon Dickson.
Insight: Dickson (4-8, 3.58 ERA) has allowed 96 hits in 88 innings, but he's kept the ball in the ballpark (just two homers allowed) and hasn't walked many batters (20 BB). He has just 48 strikeouts, but Joe Kelly had a similar strikeout rate and he's had success thus far in five starts at the major league level (1-1, 3.29 ERA).
Description: Cardinals pitching prospect Shelby Miller walked five and allowed five runs on four hits in his last start as his ERA ballooned to 6.00 in 75 innings.
Insight: Even with Chris Carpenter out for the season, the team will likely look outside of the organization for pitching help instead of turning to the struggling Miller, who is ranked No. 2 on MLB.com's list of the top 100 prospects in baseball.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday has 77 hits in 57 games since May 1. He had three more Wednesday against Colorado.
Insight: Holliday hit .215 in April, but he followed with .340 in May and .363 in June. He's started out 8-for-14 (.571) with two homers, six RBIs and a stolen base in four July games.
Description: St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. The 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner was recently diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome.
Insight: Carpenter never pitched a game for the Cardinals in 2012. If all goes well, he should be ready for Spring Training next year.
Description: St. Louis right fielder Carlos Beltran is not listed in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.
Insight: The next time Beltran (.310, 20 HRs, 61 RBIs) is in the lineup, he'll have a chance to extend his streak of consecutive games with an RBI to nine games.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh. No injury, just a day of rest.
Insight: Furcal is stumbling of late, batting just .179 over the past four weeks. He's still posting solid year-long numbers .280, 52 runs, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 9 SB.
Description: St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh. Just a day of rest for the Cardinals catcher.
Insight: Always a defensive force, Molina (.311, 12 HR, 44 RBI) has become a top fantasy catcher.
Description: St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter (shoulder) has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. He'll likely require a procedure in the offseason, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Insight: Carpenter will attempt to pitch through the injury once he returns, according to Cardinals GM John Mozeliak. The right-hander threw a bullpen session Friday.
Description: St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter (shoulder) threw off a mound Friday, even though earlier reports listed this as a flat-ground day for the right-hander, according to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: Carpenter's live batting practice session was scratched as a precaution earlier this week, but he appears to be well enough that St. Louis was able to get him to throw off a mound earlier than expected.
Description: Starting Cardinals second baseman/outfielder Skip Schumaker against Pittsburgh starter Kevin Correia on Friday looks like a smart idea. Schumaker is batting .438 in 16 at bats versus the Pirates righthander.
Insight: Some fantasy owners might shy away from using Schumaker (.300) because of his lack of power (no homers in 100 at bats this season) but if you want a guy who can give you pure average, look no further.
Description: Cardinals pitching prospect Shelby Miller fixed a mechanical flaw in his delivery after skipping a start with Triple-A Memphis. The No. 2 prospect on MLB.com's top 100 list put that to use Wednesday night by allowing one hit and striking out eight in five innings.
Insight: Miller is 4-6 with a 5.70 ERA in 15 starts at Triple-A this season, but he does have 81 strikeouts in 71 innings. He's still worth a look in fantasy leagues if the Cardinals call him up, as his talent in undeniable.
Description: Cardinals starter Joe Kelly turned in a quality start Wednesday against Miami, his second straight.
Insight: Kelly has kept runners from scoring despite allowing 28 hits in 21 1/3 innings this season, as his 3.38 ERA indicates. He's walked just four batters in his first four big league starts, so he's worth a look against weak-hitting opponents but he'll likely struggle against a stronger offensive club.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is 6-for-11 against Miami starter Anibal Sanchez with a pair of homers.
Insight: Holliday has been hot over the past two weeks, batting .426 with an OPS of 1.193. He's still not brought his totals to his career averages, but he's getting very close. He's a must-start on Wednesday.
Description: St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter did not throw to hitters on Monday as originally planned after feeling some weakness in his shoulder.
Insight: It looks like the Cardinals are just playing it safe here with Carpenter, who still hasn't pitched in a game yet this season. He's expected to resume throwing again in a few days.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is 9-for-18 against Miami starter Ricky Nolasco with a pair of homers and six RBI.
Insight: Holliday has been hot over the past two weeks, batting .413 with an OPS of 1.159. He's gotten help for his sore hip by being able to DH during some of the interleague games. He's still not brought his totals to his career averages, but he's getting closer. He's a must-start on Monday.
Description: Injured St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter appears to be close to beginning a rehab assignment. He's been out all season because of a nerve issue in his right shoulder.
Insight: Carpenter was 11-9 with a 3.45 ERA last season but he was most impressive during the Cardinals' memorable run to the World Series. He finished the postseason with a 4-0 record and a 3.25 ERA.
Description: St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright held Kansas City to two runs on six hits in seven innings Saturday to pick up his sixth win of the season.
Insight: Wainwright (6-7, 4.32) has thrown seven innings and allowed two earned runs or less in each of his last three starts. In fact, he's 4-2 with a 3.19 ERA in his last seven starts, including five quality starts.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday went 4-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored Saturday against Kansas City.
Insight: Holliday has been able to DH in American League parks to rest his sore hip flexor. The injury hasn't affected him at the plate, as the outfielder has gone 16-for-29 (.551) with two homers and 10 RBIs in his last seven games.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig returned to St. Louis' lineup Saturday against Kansas City after a day off Friday and went 2-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs.
Insight: Craig went 7-for-58 (.121) prior to his day off yesterday. He was getting a chance to rest his jammed left wrist he suffered on Wednesday. Looks like Craig is back on track.
Description: St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Kansas City. Just a day of rest after a night game.
Insight: Molina has helped carry the Cardinals offense in the absence of Albert Pujols. He's playing at an All-Star level, batting .319 with 9 HR, 38 RBI, 7 SB and his usual excellent defense.
Description: Since his bad outing against the Mets on June 1, St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright has pitched well in three outings yielding three runs or less and striking out 23 batters in 19 2/3 innings pitched.
Insight: Wainwright has an All-Star arm, but until recently hasn't shown it. It could be that it simply took a dozen outings to get back into sync after missing all of 2011. His 2.75 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over the past three games may indicate he's ready to become the Cardinals ace we remember from 2008-10.
Description: St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran went 2-for-5 with two doubles, four RBIs and two runs scored Friday against Kansas City.
Insight: Beltran was able to DH at Kauffman Stadium to give his sore knee a rest. The outfielder came in with just four total RBIs in his last 11 games, though three of them came via solo homer. Plus, he's hitting 23-for-54 (.426) since June 6, so it's not like he's been cold.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday as infielder MAtt Carpenter (oblique) will come off the disabled list.
Insight: Adams hit .244 with two homers in 27 games after getting called up, but he was plenty productive in Triple-A (.340 with 9 HRs and 27 RBIs in 37 games), so he may be back at some point.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig is not in the lineup Friday against the Royals, likely due to his wrist injury.
Insight: Craig is in a midst of a 7-for-58 (.121) slump that has shaved 50 points off his batting average. He suffered a wrist injury two days ago, and though he played Thursday, that is likely the reason for his absence Friday.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay has been activated from the 15-day disabled list for Friday's game against Kansas City.
Insight: Jay has missed a month after suffering a shoulder sprain. He was hitting .343 with 18 runs and four steals in 105 at-bats prior to the injury, so he's worth holding onto. However, he may have a difficult time getting everyday at-bats in a crowded St. Louis outfield.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig left Wednesday night's game with a wrist injury suffered while attempting to make a diving catch. He served as the Cardinals DH today and went 0-for-5.
Insight: Craig is in a midst of a 7-for-58 (.121) slump that has shaved 50 points off his batting average.
Description: Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook allowed just one unearned run and five hits in nine innings of work Wednesday night in St. Louis' 3-1 victory over Detroit.
Insight: Westbrook has rebounded from a four-game losing streak by winning two in a row. With the win, Westbrook improved his record to 6-6 while lowering his season ERA to 3.83.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday returned from a sore hip flexor Tuesday against Detroit. Holliday went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI groundout as St. Louis' designated hitter.
Insight: Holliday (.283, 12 HR, 42 RBI) homered on Saturday and Sunday but he left Sunday's game with "persistent leg pain" related to the hip injury. He was able to DH Tuesday but he may have difficulty trying to play the field when the Cardinals go back to playing National League teams.
Description: Cardinals starter Lance Lynn gave up five runs on nine hits in five innings Tuesday against St. Louis. Lynn walked two and struck out four.
Insight: Lynn (10-3, 2.80) struck out 23 batters with a 1.35 ERA in 13 1/3 innings in his last two starts, so he should bounce back. However, the right-hander is due for a regression from the level he's been pitching at this season, so if you can get a proven elite arm in a trade, we would advise you to explore that option.
Description: Good news, Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is in the starting lineup as the DH for Tuesday's game against Detroit. Holliday has been dealing with sore hip flexor.
Insight: Holliday (.282, 12 HR, 41 RBI) homered on both Saturday and Sunday and was batting .348 with a 1.139 OPS for the week, so fantasy owners are happy to see him back in the lineup so quickly.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday left Sunday's game with what has been described as a "hip flexor condition" and is listed as questionablr for Tuesday's game against Detroit.
Insight: Holliday (.282, 12 HR, 41 RBI) homered on both Saturday and Sunday and was batting .348 with a 1.139 OPS for the week, so this injury flared up at a bad time.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday hit a homer for the second straight game Sunday against the Royals, but he also left the game in the ninth inning with persistent leg pain.
Insight: Holliday (.282, 12 HRs, 40 RBIs) apparently has been bothered by leg pain for about a month, according to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Strauss said Holliday's condition worsened or at least flared up on Sunday. More information should be available on Holliday tomorrow.
Description: St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright held Kansas City to one run on five hits in seven innings in a no decision Sunday. Wainwright walked three and struck out eight.
Insight: Wainwright has allowed three runs on 10 hits in 14 innings over his last two starts, but each time this season it looked like Wainwright (5-7, 4.46) was turning his year around, he reversed course. Wainwright's 3.19 xFIP has suggested that a turnaround was in order all year long, so this could finally be where he gets going. We're still buying low on the right-hander.
Description: Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday went 2-for-3 with a solo homer Sunday against Kansas City.
Insight: Holliday (.282, 12 HRs, 40 RBIs) had four hits, including two doubles and a homer, and five RBIs yesterday after not hitting a ball out of the park since May 24. The Cardinals outfielder may be beginning a hot streak, so make sure he's in your lineup.
Description: St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina will get a breather Sunday afternoon against the Royals. Tony Cruz (.175) will get the start at catcher in Molina's place.
Insight: Molina has cemented his place as one of the game's elite fantasy catchers by starting the season with a solid .323 batting average to go along with 9 HRs and 32 RBIs. He went 2-3 with a homer and four runs driven in Saturday in a 10-7 Cardinals victory.
Description: Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal won't start Sunday against Kansas City.
Insight: Furcal (.291, 5 HRs, 29 RBIs) is batting just .150 in June, almost 200 points lower than his average for the month of May (.349). Tyler Greene (.234, 4 HRs, 14 RBIs) will make the start at shortstop in Furcal's place.
Description: Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday had a big day Saturday in a 10-7 win over Kansas City. He went 4-5 with two doubles and a homer. He finished the afternoon with five RBIs.
Insight: Holliday (.278, 11 HRs, 40 RBIs) hadn't homered in a game since May 24th so fantasy owners must be thrilled to see that the Cardinals slugger is starting to get back on track.
Description: Cardinals center fielder Jon Jay (shoulder) hasn't ruled out taking batting practice by the end of the weekend. Jay hit soft toss Friday and will likely do that again Saturday. He hopes to be ready for a minor league rehab assignment next week, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.
Insight: Jay has missed a month after suffering a shoulder sprain. He was hitting .343 with 18 runs and four steals in 105 at-bats prior to the injury, so he's worth holding onto. However, he may have a difficult time getting everyday at-bats in a crowded St. Louis lineup.
Description: St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran missed Thursday due to a stomach virus, but is probable for Friday's game against Kansas City.
Insight: Beltran visited the emergency room Wednesday night for treatment. He should only need a day or two to recover.
Description: Don't look for St. Louis shortstop Rafael Furcal to break out of his slump on Thursday. He's just 2-12 in his career against Chicago's Gavin Floyd.
Insight: Furcal (.294, 5 HRs, 29 RBIs) is hitless in his last 19 at bats and we wouldn't be surprised if Cardinals manager Mike Matheny goes ahead and sits him Thursday so he can have a day to clear his head.
Description: Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook will start Thursday at home against the White Sox, but due to recent performance and a poor overall effort at home this season, Westbrook should not be streamed tomorrow.
Insight: In his last four starts, Westbrook has gone 0-4 with a 7.55 ERA. He's also gone 8-13 with a 5.25 ERA in 31 career appearances against the White Sox. Plus, he's 2-2 with a 4.89 ERA and 1.60 WHIP at home this season. Stay away.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI Tuesday against the White Sox.
Insight: Craig went 0-for-4 in each of the last two games after going 11-for-24 with two homers and seven RBIs in the six games before that. He should be a mainstay in any fantasy lineup while he's producing like this.
Description: According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter (shoulder) will return to the mound later this week for the first time since mid-March, barring a setback in his strength-and-conditioning program.
Insight: The Cardinals haven't provided a specific day for Carpenter's first bullpen session, but Carpenter said he expects it to occur during the team's current homestand. Carpenter resumed throwing from flat ground last month and he's been throwing every day since. The right-hander has missed the entire season due to a nerve disorder that has negatively impacted his throwing shoulder.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is probable for Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox while battling back spasms. He hasn't played since Friday night.
Insight: Holliday's bat (.276, 10 HR, 35 RBI) is a welcome sight for fantasy owners and Cardinals fans. It would be even better if he were hitting up to expectations, but first things first.
Description: St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran went 2-for-3 with a solo homer Sunday against Cleveland.
Insight: Beltran has been dealing with a sore right knee, but it doesn't seem to be bothering him at the plate. The outfielder has slammed three homers in his last four games and now has 18 on the year.
Description: As expected, Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is out of the lineup for the second day in a row Sunday against the Indians. Holliday is battling back spasms and is listed as day-to-day.
Insight: This is only Holliday's third missed game of the season. Holliday (.276, 10 HRs, 35 RBIs) is expected to return to action later this week when St. Louis takes on the White Sox.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday is doubtful to play in Sunday's series finale against the Indians because of back spasms.
Insight: Holliday (.276, 10 HRs, 35 RBIs) missed Saturday night's matchup as well. The most likely scenario is that the St. Louis outfielder returns Tuesday against the White Sox after the Cardinals' off day on Monday.
Description: Cardinals righty Kyle Lohse made it through 7.2 shutout innings Saturday in a 2-0 win over the Indians.
Insight: After going just 1-1 with a 5.08 ERA in May, Lohse (6-1, 2.90 ERA) has been great to start the month of June. In two starts this month, he's 1-0 with a 0.66 ERA.
Description: St. Louis starter Jake Westbrook allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits in six innings Friday against Cleveland. Westbrook walked one and struck out seven.
Insight: Westbrook had a 4-2 record and a 1.76 ERA in his first six starts, but that was clearly a mirage. Since then, Westbrook has gone 0-4 with a 7.55 ERA. It's time to move on.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese had a grand slam and a two-run homer Thursday to lead St. Louis to a 14-2 victory.
Insight: Freese is still striking out a ton, including six times in the last two games and 55 times on the year, but he's gone 7-for-17 with two homers and seven RBIs in his last four games.
Description: Cardinals starter Joe Kelly will make his major league debut Sunday against Cleveland in place of Jaime Garcia, according to B.J. Rains of Fox Sports Midwest.
Insight: Kelly is a former third-round draft pick who has put up a 2.86 ERA in 72 1/3 innings at Triple-A Memphis this season. If the right-hander can swing multiple starts in the majors, he would be someone to look at in NL-only leagues, as St. Louis hurlers have a history of succeeding regardless of pedigree or past success.
Description: Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia's left shoulder strain has officially landed him on the DL. The move is retroactive to June 6th.
Insight: He has also been bothered by hip and elbow injuries recently. Garcia was lit up in his last outing Tuesday against the Astros (2 IP, 5 H, 6 ERs, 2 BBs) and is now just 3-4 for the season.
Description: St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina must be pleased to see that he'll be going up against Houston lefty J.A. Happ on Thursday. He is 6-14 (.429) in his career against the Astros starter.
Insight: Last year, Molina set a new career-high by batting .305 and he looks poised to eclipse that mark again this season. Right now the slugging catcher is hitting .328 with 8 HRs and 32 RBIs in 50 games.
Description: Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia is also being bothered by hip soreness in addition to his sore elbow and shoulder.
Insight: That's a lot of ailments that Garcia is dealing with right now. A disabled list stint seems likely, we just hope that Garcia isn't out long term.
Description: St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is questionable for Wednesday's game against Houston with a sore right knee.
Insight: You will likely be able to replay this note every day for the remainder of the season. Beltran is just 2-for-19 over the past five games. He was great in May, batting .326 with 10 HR and 31 RBI.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig's two-run homer in the top of the eighth ended up being the difference in the game as St. Louis defeated the Mets 5-4 Monday in the series finale.
Insight: Craig also had an RBI single in the fourth inning. Despite injuries limiting him to just 16 games so far this season, Craig (.355) already has six homers and 22 RBIs.
Description: Despite going 2-0 over his last three starts, Cardinals Lance Lynn is not pitching as well as he did earlier in the season. Over his last three starts he's got a 4.26 ERA and 1.47 WHIP versus season-long numbers of 8-1, 2.54 ERA and 1.07 WHIP.
Insight: Lynn was better in his last start after two ugly outings where he pitched 12 innings but gave up 17 hits and seven runs. Let's see if he's regained his early season form.
Description: Cardinals center fielder Jon Jay (shoulder) has been shut down for 7-10 days, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Insight: Jay had a second shoulder exam, but that didn't reveal anything new. The Cardinals are trying Carlos Beltran in center field on Friday, so they likely don't expect Jay back anytime soon.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran (knee) will start in center field Friday for the first time since 2010.
Insight: Beltran was questionable for Friday's game against the Mets with knee soreness, so the position switch is a bit of a surprise. The Cardinals are clearly testing Beltran's ability to play center field so that they can get corner outfielder Allen Craig's bat in the lineup more often when he returns from the disabled list. St. Louis called up prospect Matt Adams to replace injured first baseman Lance Berkman, so Craig isn't going to be able to play first base on a regular basis.
Description: Cardinals second baseman/outfielder Skip Schumaker has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring.
Insight: Schumaker (.321, 0 HRs, 12 RBIs) has a nice batting average, but little else to contribute to your fantasy team. If you were using Schumaker in the outfield, claim the better producing and just off the disabled list Allen Craig.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Allen Craig was activated from the 15-day disabled list for Friday's game against New York.
Insight: When we last saw Craig he was carrying a hot bat, hitting .373 with five homers, 19 RBI and a 1.188 OPS in just 13 games. Hopefully he'll be ready to pick up where he left off because he's still available in 38-percent of all Yahoo leagues and would be a good add if still hot.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is questionable for Friday's game against New York with a sore right knee.
Insight: Beltran has dealt with this issue on and off throughout the year and most expect him to be fine to play again Friday after the Cardinals' off day on Thursday. He's batting .294 this season with 15 HR and 42 RBI as the primary offensive replacement for Albert Pujols.
Description: Skip Schumaker exited Wednesday night's game in the seventh inning with some right hamstring tightness.
Insight: Schumaker (.321, 0 HRs, 12 RBIs) is day-to-day but if he does have to miss a few games, Allen Craig (returning from the DL on Friday) could see some action in right field while Schumaker is out.
Description: Jaime Garcia will miss his next start because of some elbow discomfort.
Insight: Garcia hadn't missed a start all season until now. Garcia's ERA is respectable (3.78) but his batting average against is far too high (.297). Overall, Garcia (3-3) has been a bit of a disappointment in 2012.
Description: Allen Craig will probably see some time in the outfield when he returns from the disabled list on Friday. Craig hasn't played since May 16th because of a bad hamstring.
Insight: Craig also has first base eligiblity, making him one of the more versatile options in fantasy. Craig has only played in 13 games this season but in that short span he's been incredibly productive, tallying 5 HRs and 19 RBIs while maintaining an excellent .373 batting average.
Description: Jon Jay's ailing shoulder is still causing him some discomfort.
Insight: Jay (.343, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs) was eligible to come off the disabled list on Wednesday but obviously that didn't happen. Jay's shoulder hasn't healed as quickly as the Cardinals had hoped it would so don't expect to see him in uniform again anytime soon. Jay got off to a great start this season but it's time for fantasy owners to move on.
Description: Carlos Beltran missed Wednesday's game against the Braves because of a sore right knee.
Insight: Beltran has dealt with this issue on and off throughout the year and should be fine to play again Friday after the Cardinals' off day on Thursday.
Description: David Freese is out of the lineup for Wednesday's night's matchup with the Braves. It's the third night in a row that Freese has had to sit out because of a wrist injury.
Insight: Freese (.270, 10 HRs, 33 RBIs) is expected to be ready to go again by Friday.
Description: Carlos Beltran is not in St. Louis' lineup Wednesday night against the Braves.
Insight: It's an intriguing choice by manager Mike Matheny considering that Beltran is as good as it gets against Atlanta's Tim Hudson (.351, 4 HRs, 17 RBIs in 74 at bats). Beltran (.290, 15 HRs, 41 RBIs) should be back in the lineup on Friday when the Cardinals take on New York.
Description: St. Louis outfielder Carlos Beltran has made a career out of hitting Atlanta starter Tim Hudson. He's a career .351 hitter (26-for-74) with four homers and 17 RBI versus Hudson.
Insight: Beltran leads the National League with 15 homers and has been everything the Cardinals and fantasy owners could have as for. His numbers have slumped a bit over the past two weeks, but this matchup may get him going again.
Description: St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina went 4-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs against the Braves on Tuesday.
Insight: Molina is such an excellent glove man that many people will probably overlook how good he's become with the bat in the last two seasons. After Tuesday, Molina's average is up to .337 and his OPS is over .900. He's suprisingly become the premier catcher in fantasy baseball in 2012.
Description: Cardinals third baseman David Freese is questionable for Tuesday's game against Atlanta with a sore right wrist.
Insight: Freese has a huge April (.333, 5 HR, 20 RBI, .935 OPS) but has come back to earth in May batting just .216 with a .752 OPS. It will be interesting to see which guy shows up in June.
Description: Matt Adams went 3-5 with a double and 3 RBIs Monday in the Cardinals' 8-2 Memorial Day win over the Braves.
Insight: Adams is now batting .382 with 1 HR and 5 RBIs since being called up to replace the injured Lance Berkman. It doesn't look like Berkman (torn meniscus) will be coming back any time soon so feel free to give Adams a try if you see that he's available on the waiver wire.
Description: Rafael Furcal cracked his fourth home run of the season Monday in an 8-2 win over Atlanta. He also had two singles.
Insight: No Albert Pujols, no Lance Berkman, no problem for the Cardinals. Carlos Beltran, Matt Holliday, Yadier Molina and Rafael Furcal have all done their part on offense this season. Furcal's .340 batting average leads the team and it's also the fifth-highest mark in the National League.
Description: Lance Lynn fired seven innings against the Braves on Monday for his eighth win of the season. The 25-year-old righthander gave up five hits and two runs. He also collected eight strikeouts. Lynn walked one batter.
Insight: Another dominant performance from perhaps the most surprising pitcher in fantasy this season. He started the year as a fill-in for the injured Chris Carpenter but since then he's become the new ace of the staff. Don't expect the red-hot Lynn to slow down any time soon.
Description: Adam Wainwright allowed just one run over six innings Sunday in St. Louis' 8-3 victory over the Phillies.
Insight: That's two impressive outings in a row for Wainwright, who finishes the month of May with an ERA of 3.00. Wainwright (4-5, 4.45) had an ERA of 7.32 in four April starts.
Description: Yadier Molina exited Sunday's game against the Phillies in the fifth inning because of dehydration.
Insight: It was an extremely hot afternoon in St. Louis, which probably contributed to Molina's dizziness. Molina was having a solid afternoon before being replaced by Tony Cruz (.143, 0 HRs, 0 RBIs). He collected hits in each of his two at bats, including a first inning grand slam against Philadelphia ace Roy Halladay;
Description: Second baseman Kolten Wong, the No. 100 overall prospect on MLB.com, hit .452 with two homers and seven RBIs in seven games with Double-A Springfield last week.
Insight: The 21-year-old Wong was the 22nd overall pick in the 2011 draft. He hit .335 at Class A Quad Cities last season and he's done more of the same at Double-A this season, batting .331, second to Royals prospect Wil Myers, who was recently promoted to Triple-A. The Cardinals don't exactly have a long-term solution at second base, so keep Wong in mind if he continues to excel in the minors.
Description: Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said he expects Allen Craig (hamstring) to come off the disabled list when he is eligible on June 1, according to B.J. Rains of Fox Sports Midwest.
Insight: Craig took batting practice on Thursday. According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Craig also fielded grounders at second base. Look for the Cardinals to do all they can to get Craig's bat in the lineup on a daily basis, whether it be at first or second base or in the outfield.
Description: Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman (knee) had surgery today and will be out for an estimated 8-10 weeks.
Insight: Berkman was off to a great start this season, batting .333 with a 1.000 OPS over 13 games. A three-month recover leaves him about one month to help you out late in the season if you have room to stash him.
Description: Carlos Beltran has been crushing National League pitchers this season. Well ... except for Joe Blanton. Beltran's just a .188 career hitter against the Phillies righty.
Insight: You can start Beltran (.292, 14 HRs, 37 RBIs) on Thursday if you want, but don't expect the Cardinals right fielder to have a big night.
Description: Allen Craig (hamstring) is expected to take batting practice on the field Thursday, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Insight: Craig did some running on Wednesday to test his injured hamstring. Barring any setbacks, there's no reason why Craig wouldn't be able to return when his 15-day DL stint is up. Craig should have a spot in the lineup every day when he comes off the DL due to Lance Berkman's torn meniscus knocking him out for six to eight weeks.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Lance Berkman confirmed that he will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on either Thursday or Friday.
Insight: If it is simply a torn meniscus then Berkman could be back in 6-8 weeks, but if the ACL is damaged then Berkman will likely lose the rest of the season and maybe call it a career. The answer should come following the surgery.
Description: Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday owns a .571 career average with a three of homers against Padres starter Jeff Suppan in just 14 at-bats.
Insight: The career .313 hitter is batting just .269, but is starting to find his stroke. Over the past nine games he's hitting .324 with three homers and seven RBI. Today's matchup is too good to resist. Make sure he's in your lineup.
Description: Matt Carpenter was replaced by Daniel Descalso at third base in the first inning Tuesday night against the Padres. Carpenter was feeling tightness in his right side.
Insight: We'll air on the side of caution and call Carpenter (.282, 3 HRs, 20 RBIs) day-to-day.
Description: David Freese is not in Tuesday's lineup.
Insight: Freese didn't play in Monday night's game either. The Cardinals third baseman is currently mired in an 0-14 slump. His batting average has slipped from .287 to .259 during that span.
