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St. Louis Cardinals

8/16/2006

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds left Tuesday night's game against Cincinnati after four innings because of dizziness and was taken to a hospital for an MRI exam. "He said he felt dizzy and his vision was a little blurred," manager Tony La Russa said. "This is a tough game to play if you've got blurred vision whether it's offense or defense, so we'll get you out of there."

8/14/2006

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen returned to the lineup Sunday after sitting out three games with back spasms, going 1-for-4 with a double and walk. Manager Tony La Russa had hinted Rolen might get the weekend off, but Rolen was added to the lineup about 2½ hours before gametime.

8/12/2006

Scott Rolen, stl

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Rolen took grounders and hit in a batting cage on Friday, as he tries to return from back spasms. The third baseman is listed as day-to-day and may return to the Cardinals for Sunday's contest with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Until then, Scott Spiezio is expected continue filling in for him.

8/11/2006

Scott Rolen, stl

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Rolen will not start for the Cardinals on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates and may sit out the entire three-game series, due to back spasms. The third baseman left the Cardinals' 8-7 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday in the third inning with the injury. He is listed as day-to-day with Scott Spiezio expected continue filling in for him.

Chris Duncan, stl

Duncan went 2-for-5 with two solo homers for the Cardinals in a 6-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. It was the first baseman's third consecutive multi-hit game and his fourth in his last seven. He has gone 7-for-14 (.500) with three homers and four RBIs in his last three games.

8/10/2006

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen left the Cardinals' 8-7 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday in the third inning due to back spasms. He is listed as day-to-day with Scott Spiezio expected to replace him.

Scott Spiezio, stl

Spiezio went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in the Cardinals' 6-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. He was filling in for injured third baseman Scott Rolen, who is listed as day-to-day with back spasms. Spiezio hit homers in consecutive games playing for the injured Rolen. He went 1-for-2 with a two-run shot in Wednesday's 8-7 loss to the Reds.

8/9/2006

Braden Looper, stl

Looper left Tuesday's game in the eighth inning with a sore back, and manager Tony La Russa said Wednesday he expected Looper to be sidelined for a few days.

8/3/2006

Jeff Weaver, stl

Weaver was expected to remain in the starting rotation despite giving up nearly a run per inning in his four starts for the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals. Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in early July, Weaver is 1-2 with an 8.68 ERA for his new team. He gave up seven runs in 3 1-3 innings Wednesday night in a 16-8 loss to Philadelphia.

8/2/2006

Mark Mulder, stl

The St. Louis Dispatch reported that Mulder will start a rehabilitation assignment this weekend, as he tries to come back from a rotator cuff inflammation and irritation in his left shoulder. The left-hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 22.

Anthony Reyes, stl

The St. Louis Dispatch reported that Reyes' next start has for the Cardinals been moved to Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers to accomodate Chris Carpenter's regularly scheduled start on Friday against Milwaukee.

8/1/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Pujols underwent an MRI that revealed no damage to his strained right elbow. The first baseman suffered the injury during Friday's 6-5 loss to the Chicago Cubs. He continued to play through the pain in Saturday's 4-2 loss to Chicago, before being scratched from the lineup and pinch-hitting on Sunday. The injury is considered minor by the team and he suffers pain from throwing

7/31/2006

Jorge Sosa, stl

The Braves dealt Sosa to the St. Louis Cardinals for a minor leaguer at the trade deadline Monday, one day after the disappointing pitcher was designated for assignment.

7/30/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols was scratched from the starting lineup Sunday against the Chicago Cubs because of a hyperextended right elbow. Pujols hurt his elbow on a swing during Friday's 6-5 loss to Chicago, but played through pain Saturday when the Cubs won 4-2.

7/24/2006

Juan Encarnacion, stl

Encarnacion homered twice as St. Louis beat Los Angeles 6-1 on Sunday.

Jason Marquis, stl

Marquis became the NL's first 12-game winner as the Cardinals beat the Dodgers 6-1 Sunday. Marquis allowed four hits over eight shutout innings on 106 pitches. He struck out two and walked none.

7/17/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols went 4-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs in the Cardinals' 11-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.

7/4/2006

Brad Thompson, stl

Thompson was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Monday when the Cardinals recalled outfielder Chris Duncan.

Chris Duncan, stl

Duncan was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Monday for the third time this season.

7/3/2006

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen was selected to his fifth All-Star team Sunday and will be a reserve third baseman for the National League. He is hitting .340 with 12 homers and 53 RBIs this season.

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter was selected to his second All-Star team Sunday as one of the eight starting pitchers on the National League roster. He is 6-4 with a 2.85 ERA this season.

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols was selected to his fifth All-Star team Sunday and will start at first base for the National League. Pujols is hitting .320 with 27 homers and 72 RBIs this season.

6/30/2006

Jeff Weaver, stl

Weaver was designated for assignment by the Angels on Friday, who recalled his brother Jered to replace him on the roster. Jeff was 3-10 with a 6.29 ERA in 16 games this season and opponents were hitting .309 against him. Jered was 4-0 with a 1.37 ERA in four starts before being sent back to the minors on June 17.

6/27/2006

Mark Mulder, stl

Mulder, who has been on the disabled list since Thursday with a left shoulder injury, will not attempt to throw again until at least this weekend when team orthopedic consultant Dr. George Paletta will examine him. The Cardinals' left-hander had an MRI over the weekend, which revealed rotator cuff inflammation and irritation in his left shoulder. "We'll hope for shorter rather than longer," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. "Whatever it takes."

6/25/2006

Mark Mulder, stl

Mulder has rotator cuff inflammation and irritation in his left shoulder, an MRI revealed. The Cardinals' left-hander was supposed to come off the disabled list and start Sunday's game against Detroit, but Sidney Ponson tooks his spot in the rotation. Mulder, who was placed on the DL on Thursday with a shoulder strain, will be re-examined in about a week.

6/23/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols went 0-for-4 in his return to the Cardinals lineup Thursday in a 1-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox. The first baseman went on the 15-day disabled list on June 4 with a strained muscle in his side and missed 15 games.

Anthony Reyes, stl

Reyes pitched a one-hitter in just his fourth major league start, but St. Louis fell to the Chicago White Sox 1-0 on Thursday when Jim Thome homered in the seventh inning.

6/22/2006

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds left Wednesday night's game against the Chicago White Sox with a slight concussion after crashing into the wall trying to rob Joe Crede of a home run leading off the third inning. "I don't feel very good," Edmonds said after the game. "I'll just go home and go to sleep. I was a little dizzy and I have a headache. I guess that's part of the game. I'll have to shake it off and see how I feel tomorrow."

Mark Mulder, stl

Mulder was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a shoulder strain. The left-hander is coming off a forgettable outing in which he gave up nine earned runs and 10 hits in 2 1-3 innings of a 20-6 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols was activated from the disabled list and placed in the St. Louis Cardinals' starting lineup Thursday night for their series finale against the Chicago White Sox. Pujols went on the DL on June 4 with a strained muscle in his side and the Cardinals went just 8-7 without him.

6/21/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols was able to take batting practice, field grounders and run hard in the outfield before St. Louis' game with the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. Cards manager Tony La Russa said Pujols wasn't in any pain, but just needs to get his conditioning back after being on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle.

6/16/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols expressed optimism Friday about returning from the 15-day disabled list sooner than the St. Louis Cardinals had predicted. The Cards' first baseman is out with a strained side muscle but was on the field for drills at first base before Friday's game against the Colorado Rockies. He's eligible to come off the DL early next week. "I'm pretty excited," he said. "Real excited ...but I don't want to talk too quick until I get out there in the field."

David Eckstein, stl

Eckstein was scratched from the lineup on Friday after sustaining a minor concussion breaking up a double play on Thursday. The St. Louis Cardinals shortstop is second in the NL with 86 hits and is batting .322. He was expected to hit leadoff against the Colorado Rockies, but said his head "was kind of throbbing pretty good" when he attempted to take batting practice several hours before game time.

6/14/2006

Rick Ankiel, stl

Ankiel will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his left knee on May 26. The pitcher-turned-outfielder injured his patellar tendon at spring training on Feb. 27 and has not played since. The 26-year-old Ankiel was making a comeback and had a chance to make the Cardinals roster.

6/6/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

AN MRI taken on Pujols' strained muscle on his right side was inconclusive and the first baseman's return to the Cardinals' lineup is uncertain. He was leading the majors with 25 homers and 65 RBIs in 53 games before exiting an 8-5 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

6/5/2006

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds went 3-for-3 with a double, two RBIs and two runs for the Cardinals in a 9-6 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. It was the center fielder's first game back in the lineup after missing five games with a sprained right wrist.

6/4/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols reportedly is out indefinitely with the strained muscle on his right side he sustained Saturday. The St. Louis Cardinals first baseman was leading the Majors with 25 home runs and 65 RBIs when he exited Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs after two innings.

6/3/2006

Timo Perez, stl

Perez was purchased from Triple-A Memphis by the Cardinals on Friday. The left fielder was hitting .318 with eight doubles, five home runs and 16 RBIs for Memphis this season.

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols strained his right oblique muscle while chasing a foul popup on Saturday. The Cardinals first baseman left after two innings. A team spokesman said he would be re-examined on Sunday.

Anthony Reyes, stl

Reyes was sent down to Triple-A Memphis by the Cardinals on Friday. The pitcher made one start in his recent four-day stint with the team in a 6-3 St. Louis loss to the Houston Astros on Tuesday, allowing three runs and five hits with seven strikeouts over 6 1-3 innings.

6/2/2006

Jim Edmonds, stl

The Cardinals will delay making a decision on whether or not to put Edmonds on the disabled list until the end of the weekend. The center fielder hasn't played since last Sunday because of an abdominal strain. A specialist ruled out a hernia on Wednesday."We're going to hold off on a decision for a day or so," trainer Barry Weinberg said. "We need to see how he feels."

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter threw an extended session in the bullpen for the second time in four days on Friday. The Cardinals right-hander went on the DL with bursitis in his shoulder on Tuesday and is expected to return to the rotation next week."I threw everything, all of my pitches," Carpenter said. "It was longer, and I definitely felt good."As long as tomorrow there's nothing affecting me, no soreness, nothing like that, I'll be fine."

5/31/2006

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds missed his fifth straight start on Wednesday because of lower abdominal discomfort. The Cardinals center fielder had an MRI on Tuesday and was scheduled to meet a specialist on Wednesday.

5/30/2006

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday with bursitis under his right shoulder blade, but hopes to miss only one more start. The team is cautious about rushing back last year's NL Cy Young winner. Manager Tony La Russa said 24-year-old rookie Anthony Reyes, who was scheduled to start against the Astros in Carpenter's spot on Tuesday night, likely would stay with the Cardinals until the team is sure Carpenter can return.

5/29/2006

Chris Carpenter, stl

The St. Louis Cardinals expect to place Carpenter on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, and are preparing to call up right-hander Anthony Reyes from the minors to take his spot in the rotation. "We're expecting to pitch somebody else (Tuesday), like Anthony," Cards manager Tony La Russa said before Monday's game against the Houston Astros. "I just know he's on call and expecting to pitch."

5/25/2006

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter was scratched from starting Wednesday's game against San Francisco because of swelling in the right side of his upper back near the shoulder blade. The Cardinals' right-hander is 4-2 this season with a 2.63 ERA and has 53 strikeouts compared to 19 walks.

5/21/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to help St. Louis beat the Royals 4-2 Saturday night.

5/10/2006

Ricardo Rincon, stl

Rincon has told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he will have surgery on his pitching elbow and shoulder this week. The procedures will end his 2006 season. Rincon pitched only 3 1/3 innings before he was sidelined with discomfort that occurred when he moved his throwing arm behind his head to throw. He allowed four runs and posted a 10.80 ERA in five appearances. His arm didn't improve during a rehab stint.

Albert Pujols, stl

After stroking a game-winning three-run homer in his last at-bat on Tuesday, Pujols hit a two-run shot in the first inning of the Cardinals' 7-4 win over Colorado Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday's home run was No. 18 for Pujols, who leads the majors in both homers and RBIs (43).

5/7/2006

Mark Mulder, stl

Mulder allowed three runs in six innings, drove in a run with a double and notched his 100th career win in St. Louis' 7-6 win over Florida on Saturday.

5/6/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols hit his 16th home run to spark a seven-run fifth inning on Friday, and the Cardinals beat Florida 7-2 to snap a four-game losing streak, their longest since the 2004 World Series.

5/3/2006

Scott Rolen, stl

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Rolen will rejoin the Cardinals against Houston on Wednesday or Thursday, after sitting out since April 24 with an unspecified viral condition. He could be in the St. Louis lineup Wednesday if he experiences no complications from a Tuesday workout in St. Louis.

Albert Pujols, stl

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that the discomfort in Pujols' back has increased, and the Cardinals' first baseman may be sidelined when St. Louis plays in Houston Wednesday. "It's been pretty tough the last week," Pujols told the newspaper. He has been bothered by a back strain since a slide into first base on April 23 against the Chicago Cubs.

5/2/2006

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds, who missed four April starts with a sore shoulder, wasn't in the lineup for the Cardinals' 3-2 loss to Cincinnati Tuesday. The St. Louis center fielder did make a pinch-hitting appearance in the game, but saw his average drop to .200 when he failed to get a hit.

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols got a day off Tuesday afternoon, when the St. Louis Cardinals dropped a 3-2 decision to the Cincinnati Reds. The Cardinals' first baseman aggravated his back on a defensive play last week and missed his first game of this season.

4/29/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols hit his 14th homer in April on Saturday, breaking a 1-all tie in the Cardinals' 2-1 victory over Washington. The home run gave Pujols the single-season record for homers in the first month of the season, surpassing Ken Griffey Jr. and Luis Gonzalez, who both hit 13.

4/28/2006

Ricardo Rincon, stl

The St. Louis Cardinals placed Rincon on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a shoulder injury. The left-handed reliever hasn't pitched since April 18. He has a 10.80 ERA in five relief appearances.

4/25/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols hit his major league-leading 12th home run in the first inning of the Cardinals' 7-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday. Pujols later added a run-scoring double for his 28th RBI, also tops in the majors. "It's always big to take the lead," Pujols said. "You send a message right away that we're ready to play."

4/23/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols became the fastest player in major league history to reach 1,000 hits with 200 home runs after he picked up the milestone hit with a two-run homer against the Cubs on Friday night. Pujols has been on an incredible tear to begin the season, with a .357 average, 11 home runs and a major league-leading 26 RBIs. Eleven of his 20 hits have been the long ball.

4/19/2006

Jim Edmonds, stl

After missing four starts with a shoulder ailment, Edmonds is back in the St. Louis lineup Wednesday against Pittsburgh. Batting fourth in place of Scott Rolen, who is getting a day off, Edmonds hit a second-inning home run to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead in the game. The veteran center fielder returned to action Tuesday, striking out in a pinch-hitting appearance.

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols hit his major league-leading 10th home run in St. Louis' 12-4 loss to Pittsburgh Tuesday night. The Cardinals' slugger has homered in four straight games. In those four contests, Pujols is 8-for-14 (.571) and has five home runs and 10 RBIs. He also has a six-game hitting streak.

4/18/2006

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols, who homered in his final three trips to the plate Sunday, made it four straight at-bats with a home run in a 2-1 St. Louis win over Pittsburgh on Monday. The Cardinals' first baseman hit a two-run shot in the first inning to account for both St. Louis runs. He also drilled a two-run shot in his final at-bat Sunday, erasing a 7-6 deficit and giving the Cards an 8-7 win over Cincinnati.

4/17/2006

Jim Edmonds, stl

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Edmonds may miss the Cardinals' three-game series in Pittsburgh this week with an ailing shoulder. The St. Louis center fielder received a cortisone shot in his right shoulder Friday night and was not available Saturday and Sunday. He still was feeling discomfort swinging the bat, so manager Tony La Russa has decided to rest Edmonds and hopes to have him ready for the Cards-Cubs series this weekend.

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols stroked three homers Sunday, including a two-run shot in the ninth inning, sparking the St. Louis Cardinals to an 8-7 win over the Cincinnati Reds. The first baseman's walkoff blast erased a 7-6 deficit and gave him the National League lead in home runs with eight.

4/10/2006

Ronnie Belliard, stl

Belliard missed his second game Sunday with a tight calf muscle. Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said the second baseman could have played if needed, but the Indians won the game without him.

3/30/2006

Deivi Cruz, stl

The St. Louis Cardinals released Cruz on Wednesday. The middle infielder, who was signed to a non-guaranteed contract in December, was cut loose after batting just .146 with two RBIs in 41 at-bats this spring. He batted .265 with five home runs and 20 RBIs in 101 games with San Francisco and Washington in 2005.

3/28/2006

Jim Edmonds, stl

An MRI exam last week showed only inflammation in Edmonds' right elbow. The Cardinals' center fielder has been experiencing some discomfort above the elbow and numbness in the forearm, and the cause may be inflammation that appears to be cutting off a nerve near the elbow.

3/24/2006

Larry Bigbie, stl

Bigbie, who is competing with So Taguchi and John Rodriguez for the left field job in St. Louis, said Friday he will be sidelined for at least two weeks with a stress fracture in his left foot. Bigbie, acquired from Colorado in a December trade, is batting .231 with two doubles and two RBIs in 26 at-bats this spring. An MRI exam earlier this week confirmed the break.

3/23/2006

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds has been experiencing pain above his right elbow and numbness in his right forearm and hand, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting. The St. Louis center fielder underwent an MRI exam Wednesday to determine what is causing the discomfort. Edmonds told the newspaper that his arm has been bothering him since the early days of spring training, though he said it's gotten better over time.

3/22/2006

Anthony Reyes, stl

Reyes, one of the top pitching prospects in the St. Louis system, has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis to start the 2006 season. Reyes competed against veteran right-hander Sidney Ponson for the fifth-starter role in the St. Louis rotation, and the Cardinals have given the final rotation spot to Ponson.

3/14/2006

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter, the National League's 2005 Cy Young Award winner, pitched four scoreless innings against Atlanta Monday. The Cardinals' right-hander has yet to allow a run in 11 innings this spring. He retired the first 10 Atlanta hitters he faced Monday.

3/10/2006

So Taguchi, stl

Taguchi and the St. Louis Cardinals have come to terms on a one-year deal. He hit .288 with eight homers and 53 RBIs in 2005, when he spent much of the season filling in for the injured Larry Walker.

1/22/2006

Jorge Sosa, stl

Sosa agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million deal with the Braves on Saturday. The 28-year-old right-hander went 13-3 with a 2.55 ERA last season, including a 9-0 mark and 1.81 ERA on the road. He could earn an additional $50,000 if he pitches at least 205 innings in 2006.

1/17/2006

Jason Marquis, stl

Marquis got a raise from the Cardinals on Tuesday, agreeing to a $5.15 million, one-year contract, a hike of $2.1 million. Marquis pitched a career-high 207 innings last season, going 13-14 with a 4.13 ERA.

1/13/2006

Josh Hancock, stl

Hancock has been designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds, opening a spot on the roster for veteran reliever Grant Balfour. The righthander was limited to 11 relief appearances with Cincinnati last season, but he pitched well in those outings, going 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA and 0.86 WHIP.

1/9/2006

Jeff Weaver, stl

Weaver and Los Angeles failed to reach an agreement before the Jan. 8 free-agent deadline. The right-handed pitcher led the Dodgers with a career-high 14 wins last season and posted a 4.22 ERA, striking out a career-high 157 batters in 224 innings.

1/3/2006

Preston Wilson, stl

Wilson, a free agent, signed a one-year contract with the Houston Astros Tuesday. The 31-year-old outfielder hit .260 with 25 home runs and 90 RBIs with Colorado and Washington last season. Wilson has 171 career home runs, 591 RBIs and a .264 batting average.

12/23/2005

Juan Encarnacion, stl

Encarnacion agreed to a $15 million, three-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. The 29-year-old outfielder gets $3.5 million next year, $5 million in 2007 and $6.5 million in 2008. Last season for Florida, he hit .287 with 16 home runs and 76 RBIs.

Junior Spivey, stl

Spivey and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a $1.2 million, one-year contract on Friday. The 30-year-old second baseman split last season between Milwaukee and Washington, batting a combined .232 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs in 259 at-bats.

12/22/2005

Brian Daubach, stl

Daubach has signed a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. The veteran first baseman/outfielder spent the majority of the 2005 campaign with the Mets' Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, batting .325 with 16 home runs and 62 RBIs in 99 games.

John Riedling, stl

Riedling has signed a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. The 30-year-old right-hander, who split last season between the Florida Marlins and their Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque, posted a 4-1 record and 7.16 in 29 relief appearances with the major league club.

12/21/2005

Larry Bigbie, stl

Bigbie and the Cardinals agreed to a $900,000, one-year contract on Tuesday. St. Louis acquire the outfielder, along with 2B Aaron Miles, from the Rockies on Dec. 8 for reliever Ray King. Bigbie spent 2005 with Colorado and Baltimore, hitting .239 with five homers and 23 RBIs.

12/16/2005

Braden Looper, stl

Looper agreed to a $13.5 million, three-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday. The right-handed pitcher had 28 saves in 36 opportunities and posted a 3.94 ERA for the New York Mets last season. The 31-year-old will receive $3.5 million in 2006, $4.5 million in 2007 and $5.5 million in 2008.

12/13/2005

Ricardo Rincon, stl

Rincon has agreed to a two-year, $2.9 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 67 relief appearances with the Oakland Athletics in 2005, he posted a 4.34 ERA over 37.1 innings.

12/8/2005

Larry Bigbie, stl

Bigbie was traded on Wednesday night, along with Aaron Miles, to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Ray King. In 2005, Bigbie finished with a .239 average, five home runs and 23 RBIs playing for both Baltimore and Colorado.

Aaron Miles, stl

The Colorado Rockies trade Miles and outfielder Larry Bigbie to the Cardinals on Wednesday night for Ray King. In 99 games last season, the second baseman hit .281 with two home runs, 28 RBIs and 37 runs.

11/28/2005

Cal Eldred, stl

Reportedly Eldred, who missed 56 games this season with a viral infection in the lining surrounding his heart, will announce his retirement from baseball. With St. Louis in 2005, the 38-year-old right-hander appeared in 31 games, including one start. He went 1-0 with a 2.19 ERA.

11/15/2005

Albert Pujols, stl

On Tuesday, Pujols claimed the National League MVP Award for the first time in his five-year career. The St. Louis first baseman turned in his fifth stellar season in 2005, batting .330 with 41 home runs, 129 runs scored and 117 RBIs. He posted a .430 on-base percentage and .609 slugging mark in 161 games.

11/10/2005

Larry Walker, stl

On Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals declined a $15 million option on Walker for 2006. The move is more of a legalistic formality, as Walker said late in the 2005 season that he was retiring from baseball and wouldn't return next year.

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter claimed National League Cy Young honors following a 21-5 season with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2005. The St. Louis right-hander was one of three 20-game winners in the majors, but recorded an .808 winning percentage that was the best among the trio. He made 33 starts and posted a 2.83 ERA and .231 opponent batting average.

11/4/2005

Ronnie Belliard, stl

The Cleveland Indians have exercised their $4 million option on Belliard for 2006. He hit 17 home runs with 78 RBIs in 2005, both career highs, while hitting .284.

11/3/2005

Jeff Suppan, stl

The St. Louis Cardinals exercised their 2006 option on Suppan. Reportedly the option is worth in the neighborhood of $4 million. The 30-year-old right-hander was 16-10 with a 3.57 ERA in 32 starts for the Cardinals.

11/1/2005

Braden Looper, stl

The Mets opted to pass on their $5.5 million option to retain Looper for next season, electing instead to pay him a $250,000 buyout.

10/31/2005

Randy Flores, stl

Flores underwent surgery on his left elbow to remove a bone spur. The Cardinals' reliever should be recovered by the time spring training opens.

10/20/2005

Al Reyes, stl

On Tuesday, Reyes had reconstructive elbow surgery to repair a ligament that had been torn off the bone. Former St. Louis team physician George Paletta, who rebuilt Reyes' elbow, said he has done more than 200 elbow reconstructions and that the righthander's was "absolutely as bad as it gets. He blew everything out."

10/18/2005

Albert Pujols, stl

The St. Louis Cardinals were one strike from elimination Monday night when David Eckstein delivered a two-out single in the bottom of the ninth. After Jim Edmonds drew a walk, Pujols rekindled St. Louis hopes with a mammoth home run that gave the Cardinals a stunning 5-4 victory. The NLCS returns to St. Louis with the Astros leading three games to two.

10/16/2005

Larry Walker, stl

There is concern that Walker is hurting much more than he is letting on, as the Cardinals' right fielder is just 1-for-18 with a single and one RBI in the postseason. He is battling back tightness, a bruised knee from a hit-by-pitch in the NLDS, and pain from the herniated disc in his neck that has been a factor throughout the 2005 season.

10/2/2005

Al Reyes, stl

In a playoff blow, the Cardinals has to remove relief pitcher Al Reyes from Sunday's game with a sprained right elbow. It is unknown at this point if Reyes will be ready for the playoffs, however, the Cardinals would like to see him back in the bullpen as soon as possible. Reyes finished the 2005 campaign with 4-2 record and a 2.15 earned run average in 64 games.

9/30/2005

Jason Marquis, stl

Cardinals' manager Tony LaRussa has named Marquis his starter for Saturday's game against the Reds. Although 16-game winner Jeff Suppan was slated to start the game, LaRussa said the reason for his decision was impacted by Marquis success against Cincinnati.

9/29/2005

Chris Carpenter, stl

After a run of 22 straight quality starts between May 12 and September 8, Carpenter has allowed four or more runs in each of his last four outings. He hasn't been the same pitcher who has dominated hitters en route to a 22-5 mark and 2.83 ERA. Carpenter allowed five earned runs over six innings Thursday, in the Cardinals' 7-6 loss to Houston. The 30-year-old righthander didn't get a decision.

Braden Looper, stl

Looper revealed on Thursday that he has been bothered by a damaged AC joint in his right shoulder since the end of last season. The Mets' reliever bypassed relatively minor shoulder surgery, so that he would be ready for the start of the 2005 campaign, but now he is likely to go under the knife to repair the damage. The procedure could be as soon as Monday.

9/28/2005

Braden Looper, stl

Looper is expected to undergo an MRI exam Thursday to determine the extent of a season-long injury to his right shoulder. His velocity has been inconsistent, and he's been roughed up for 12 hits, eight runs and three blown saves in seven September appearances. He's allowed runs in five of those seven games.

9/27/2005

Larry Walker, stl

After receiving his fourth cortisone shot of the season on Thursday, Walker was back in the Cardinals' lineup on Tuesday. Walker, suffering from a herniated disk in his neck, was batting cleanup against the Houston Astros. This season, Walker is batting .278 with 13 home runs and 49 RBI through 302 at-bats.

9/23/2005

Larry Walker, stl

With lingering pain in his neck due to a herniated disc, Walker received another cortisone shot on Thursday -- his fourth of the 2005 campaign. The Cardinals' veteran outfield is expected to be sidelined over the weekend, but should be available by next Tuesday. He's been limited to just 95 games this season.

9/22/2005

Braden Looper, stl

Looper has allowed runs in five of his seven appearances in September, and he's blown all three of his save chances. The righthanded reliever is not guaranteed to get the call in the ninth inning for the Mets over the final 10 days of the season.

Larry Bigbie, stl

The Achilles ailment that landed Bigbie on the disabled list in late August continues to bother the Colorado outfielder. He probably will be limited to pinch-hitting duties for the remainder of the 2005 campaign. In 87 games for Baltimore and Colorado, Bigbie has batted .242 with a .304 on-base percentage.

9/14/2005

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter allowed 11 hits and four runs against Pittsburgh on Tuesday night, getting a no-decision instead of his 22nd victory of 2005. His performance ended his run of 22 straight quality starts since May 12. Over those 22 outings, Carpenter was 17-2 with a 1.66 ERA and 0.88 WHIP.

Albert Pujols, stl

After making pinch hitting appearances the past two games, Pujols was back in the starting lineup for the Cardinals today, going 0-for-4 with a walk and one RBI.

9/12/2005

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols may get a few days off to start the week, but it's not for the plantar fasciitis that has bothered him for much of the season. The Cardinals' first baseman had a sore upper right leg since the club began its current 10-game homestand a week ago. Team trainers are encouraging some down time for the St. Louis slugger.

David Eckstein, stl

Eckstein's 14-game hitting streak stalled on Saturday, but the Cardinals' shortstop went 2-for-3 on Sunday to give him 10 multihit performances in 16 games since his hitting streak began. In that 16-game stretch, Eckstein is batting .400 (28-for-70) with 10 runs scored and nine RBI.

9/9/2005

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter claimed his major league-best 21st win on Thursday, blanking the Mets on three hits and a walk over seven innings to secure a 5-0 victory. Winning for the 13th straight time, Carpenter improved to 21-4 with a 2.21 ERA.

David Eckstein, stl

Eckstein went 1-for-4 against the Mets in Chris Carpenter's 21st win on Thursday, giving the Cardinals' shortstop a 13-game hitting streak. During his 13-game run, Eckstein is batting .400 (24-for-60) with five doubles, two homers, nine runs scored and nine RBI.

9/7/2005

Larry Bigbie, stl

The Colorado Rockies activated Bigbie from the disabled list Tuesday, exactly 15 days after he was sidelined with a strained right Achillies. Bigbie is 14-for-59 (.237) with a double, triple and two RBI since joining the Rockies in a late-July trade with Baltimore.

9/6/2005

Randy Flores, stl

Flores was recalled from Triple-A Memphis. In 41 appearances with the Cardinals earlier this year, the southpaw reliever posted a 2-1, 3.75 record, with one save, striking out 37 in 36 innings.

Adam Wainwright, stl

Wainwright was called up from Triple-A Memphis, where he posted a 10-10, 4.40 record, with 147 strikeouts in 182 innings.

Anthony Reyes, stl

The Cardinals recalled Reyes from Triple-A Memphis, where he was 7-6 with a 3.64 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 128.2 innings, allowing just 105 hits and 34 walks.

9/5/2005

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter went the distance and limited division rival Houston to two runs to post a 4-2 victory and his 20th win of the season on Saturday. The Cardinals' ace became the majors' first 20-game winner after claiming his 12th straight victory. Carpenter, who hasn't lost since June 8, is 20-4 with a 2.28 ERA for the season.

9/4/2005

Albert Pujols, stl

With the Cardinals nursing a comfortable lead in the NL Central, Pujols may take some time off in September to receive treatment for plantar fasciitis. The injury also bothered him last season. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that team trainers will evaluate the first baseman early this week and decide an exact course of treatment. Pujols already has 100 RBI this season, meaning he has reached that mark in each of his first five MLB campaigns.

9/3/2005

Tyler Johnson, stl

The St. Louis Cardinals on Friday purchased the contract of Johnson from Triple-A Memphis.

8/30/2005

Deivi Cruz, stl

On Tuesday, the San Francisco Giants dealt Cruz to the Washington Nationals for minor league pitcher Benjamin Cox. The veteran shortstop batted .268 with a .301 on-base percentage in 81 games for the Giants.

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter continues to build on his Cy Young Award credentials, as he put together another masterful performance on Monday. He threw 7.2 innings and scattered seven hits while giving up just one run to the Marlins. His record is now 19-4, as he won his 11th consecutive decision.

8/29/2005

John Riedling, stl

The Florida Marlins placed Riedling on the 15-day disabled list Monday with tendinitis in his right shoulder. The 30-year-old righthander is 4-1 with a 7.16 ERA in 29 relief appearances for the Marlins this season. The Marlins recalled righthander Chris Resop to replace Riedling in the Marlins' bullpen.

8/28/2005

Mark Mulder, stl

After being scratched on Saturday due to a stiff neck, Cardinal pitcher Mark Mulder will also miss his rescheduled start on Sunday with the same ailment. Manager Tony La Russa said that although Mulder showed signs of improvement, he still was not at 100 percent health. Cardinals relief pitcher Cal Eldred will get the start in place of Mulder. This will be Eldred's first start in the major leagues since 2001.

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols was ejected in the first inning of Sunday's game after he was caught stealing. Washington pitcher John Halama picked Pujols off first base, and Nick Johnson threw to Cristian Guzman, who applied the tag. Pujols took exception to the call and was ejected by first-base umpire Larry Poncino, as Pujols went to take his position in the bottom half of the inning.

8/27/2005

Mark Mulder, stl

The Cardinals scratched Mark Mulder from his scheduled start Saturday with a stiff neck. Unaware of how the stiffness began, Mulder hopes to be ready to go on Sunday. For the season, Mulder is 15-6 with a 3.74 ERA, while the Cardinals have gone 10-1 over Mulder's last 11 starts.

8/26/2005

Ronnie Belliard, stl

Belliard belted his first career grand slam in the Indians' 12-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Thursday.

Juan Encarnacion, stl

After missing several days with a sore left wrist, Encarnacion returned to the Florida Marlins' starting lineup on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a strikeout in a win over the Milwaukee Brewers. The outfielder has been battling the injury off and on for more than a month, and it appears it likely will be a nagging issue the rest of the season.

8/24/2005

Jeff Weaver, stl

Weaver did it all in the Dodgers' 8-3 win over Colorado on Tuesday. He threw eight strong innings, giving up just two earned runs and six hits while striking out five to earn his team-leading 12th win. The righthander contributed at the plate as well, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs.

Jason Marquis, stl

Marquis turned in his second-shortest outing of the 2005 campaign, lasting just three innings in Tuesday's 10-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cardinals' righthander allowed seven runs on eight hits and three walks prior to his departure, suffering his seventh consecutive loss.

So Taguchi, stl

Taguchi was hit in the hand by a Ryan Vogelsong pitch Tuesday in the ninth inning against the Pirates. The Cardinals' outfielder was forced to leave the game, but X-rays were negative and should not cause Taguchi to miss an extended period of time. He will probably sit out 2-3 games to fully recover.

Jorge Sosa, stl

With Mike Hampton landing back on the 15-day disabled list, Sosa will return to the starting rotation for the Atlanta Braves. The righthander is scheduled to take the mound against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday afternoon.

8/23/2005

Mike Lincoln, stl

While rehabbing from Tommy John surgery last month, Lincoln suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, and he was forced to undergo another surgery on Monday. The Cardinals' reliever, who has not pitched in the major leagues since early in the 2004 campaign, is expected to miss the majority of the 2006 season as well.

Larry Bigbie, stl

The strained right Achilles that has hampered Bigbie recently landed the Rockies' outfielder on the 15-day disabled list on Monday. Choo Freeman was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs to fill the roster spot.

8/22/2005

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen has decided to have surgery on his injured shoulder sometime in the next two weeks and is out for the season. The decision to repair the injury now will allow the Cardinals' third baseman to return in time for spring training next year. Six months of rehabilitation will be needed after the operation. Abraham Nunez will remain the starter at third base for the remainder of the year.

Larry Bigbie, stl

Bigbie was limited to just one at-bat on Saturday and didn't play at all on Sunday, due to soreness in his right Achilles. The Rockies' outfielder, who was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles late last month, has been listed as day-to-day. In 15 games with Colorado, he is batting .237 with no home runs and just two RBI, fanning 13 times in 59 at-bats.

8/21/2005

Juan Encarnacion, stl

Encarnacion's sore left wrist continues to give him problems, and he might be absent from the Marlins' lineup for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The outfielder, who has been nursing the injury for more than a month, left in the third inning of Saturday's contest and was replaced by Juan Pierre. He is listed as day-to-day.

8/20/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Walker was in the starting lineup for the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday after being activated from the disabled list earlier in the day. The outfielder went on the DL July 26 with a herniated disc in his neck. Walker is batting .271 on the season.

Scott Spiezio, stl

Spezio's disastrous stint with the Seattle Mariners came to an end when the team released him on Saturday. Spezio signed a three-year contract worth $9.15 million with the Mariners following the 2003 season, but struggled in his first year in Seattle, batting just .215 with 41 RBI. The 2005 season has been even worse, with Spezio having going just 3-47 (.064) in 28 games.

8/19/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa indicated earlier this week that Walker could be back in the lineup by the weekend, but the outfielder wants to take a couple more days to get his legs back into shape before returning to action. He has been sidelined for more than three weeks after receiving a third cortisone injection for the herniated disc in his neck.

Ronnie Belliard, stl

Belliard left Thursday's game after straining his neck when he collided headlong into umpire Eric Cooper while fielding a grounder. Precautionary X-rays were taken but proved negative.

Jason Marquis, stl

Marquis dropped his sixth consecutive decision in Thursday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing six runs on 10 hits and four walks in 7.2 innings of work. Over his last 12 starts, the Cardinals' righthander is just 1-9 with a 5.57 ERA.

Yadier Molina, stl

Molina was back in the Cardinals' starting lineup for Thursday night's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks after being activated from the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day. The catcher, who went 0-for-3 in his return, had been sidelined since breaking a bone near the pinkie finger in his left hand when he was hit by a pitch on July 7. Outfielder Skip Schumaker was optioned to the minors to open a spot on the roster.

Skip Schumaker, stl

Schumaker's most recent stint with the St. Louis Cardinals was a brief one, as he has been optioned back to Triple-A Memphis, opening a spot on the roster for catcher Yadier Molina, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday. The 25-year-old outfielder has appeared in seven games with the Cards this season, going 1-for-7 with an RBI, two runs scored and two strikeouts.

8/18/2005

Scott Rolen, stl

On Wednesday, Rolen said his surgically repaired left shoulder is not improving, and in fact, might be getting worse. The Cardinals' third baseman, who has been sidelined since July 21 with inflammation in his rotator cuff, reportedly could be forced to undergo season-ending surgery. Abraham Nunez will continue to fill in at the hot corner in his absence.

Mark Mulder, stl

Coming off one of his worst outings of the season -- seven runs allowed in four innings -- Mulder got back on track in Wednesday's 5-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, going the distance to notch his second shutout of the 2005 campaign. The Cardinals' lefthander scattered five hits, struck out four and walked two. He has won six of his last seven decisions.

8/17/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Walker has reported no major problems after taking batting practice with the Cardinals two of the last three days, and according to manager Tony La Russa, the veteran outfielder could be activated from the disabled list by the weekend. Walker has been sidelined for more than three weeks after receiving a third cortisone injection for the herniated disc in his neck.

Deivi Cruz, stl

Cruz got a rare start in Tuesday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds, and he took advantage of the added playing time, recording a career high for hits in a game. The Giants' infielder finished the contest a perfect 5-for-5 with a home run, five RBI and two runs scored.

So Taguchi, stl

Taguchi had himself a huge night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, as he tied his career highs with four hits and three RBI. The Cardinals' outfielder, who had three doubles, two runs scored and a stolen on the night, also extended his current hitting streak to a personal-best nine games, which includes five multihit performances.

Jorge Sosa, stl

After allowing five runs on six hits -- including three homers -- in his last start, Sosa will move back to a relief role for the Atlanta Braves. The righthander began the season in the bullpen, but was asked to step into the rotation when both John Thompson and Mike Hampton went down with injuries. Both regular starters returned to action last weekend, prompting the move.

8/16/2005

Preston Wilson, stl

Wilson recorded his third multihomer game of the 2005 campaign, clearing the fence with a pair of two-run shots in Monday's win over the Philadelphia Phillies -- conincidentally both longballs coming on 3-1 counts. The Nationals' outfielder also topped the 20-homer mark for the sixth time in seven seasons.

Yadier Molina, stl

According to Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, Molina should be ready for game action within the next several days, but whether that will be in the major leagues or as part of a minor league rehab assignment has yet to be determined. The catcher has been sidelined since breaking a bone near the pinkie finger in his left hand when he was hit by a pitch on July 7, but he hopes to be cleared to resume taking batting practice as early as Tuesday.

8/14/2005

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter became the first major leaguer to reach 17 wins Saturday, when he shut down the Chicago Cubs on eight hits for a complete-game 5-2 victory.

8/10/2005

John Gall, stl

Despite their injury problems in the outfield, the St. Louis Cardinals have optioned Gall back to Triple-A Memphis. The outfielder/first baseman made his major league debut late last month and appeared in just nine games during his short stint with the club, going 4-for-18 (.222) with two doubles, two RBI and three strikeouts.

Chris Narveson, stl

Narveson returned to his original organization on Tuesday, when the St. Louis Cardinals claimed the 23-year-old southpaw off waivers from Boston. The Cardinals traded him to Colorado in last August's Larry Walker deal, and Narveson moved on to Boston in March's Byung-Hyun Kim trade. Narveson was 4-5 with a 4.77 ERA in 20 starts and a relief appearance for Boston's Triple-A affiliate at Pawtucket.

Anthony Reyes, stl

As anticipated, Reyes has been optioned back to Triple-A Memphis by the St. Louis Cardinals. The 23-year-old righthander was called up earlier this week to make a spot start against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday. He looked solid in his major league debut, allowing two runs on two hits in 6.1 innings of work, which was enough to record his first career victory. Reyes struck out five and walked one.

Skip Schumaker, stl

Schumaker has been recalled from Triple-A Memphis by the St. Louis Cardinals, filling the roster spot of pitcher Anthony Reyes, who was sent back down to the minor league club after making a spot start against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday. The outfielder appeared in three games with the Cards earlier this season, going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts.

8/9/2005

Juan Encarnacion, stl

Encarnacion continues to battle some pain in his left wrist, but he's shown progress over the last few days and hopes to be back in the Marlins' lineup by the end of the week. The outfielder has not taken the field since going 0-for-3 in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals last Thursday.

Anthony Reyes, stl

The Cardinals have decided to bring up Reyes for a spot start on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers. The move was made in order to give the rest of the St. Louis rotation an extra day off. The Cardinals are in the midst of a schedule of 30 games in 31 days.

8/8/2005

Jeff Weaver, stl

Weaver won his third consecutive decision, allowing one run on five hits over eight innings in Sunday's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dodgers' righthander, who struck out four and walked none in the contest, improved to 10-8 on the season and lowered his ERA to 4.34.

David Eckstein, stl

Eckstein took a 1-0 Chris Reitsma pitch over the left-field fence with the bases loaded in the ninth inning to give the St. Louis Cardinals a walk-off victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. The shortstop also added a double, two walks and a stolen base in the contest. The grand slam was the fourth of his major league career. For the season, Eckstein is batting .272 with five homers, 38 RBI and eight steals.

8/3/2005

Chris Carpenter, stl

It was a Tuesday night showdown of two of the best National League pitchers this season, and Carpenter came away with a complete-game three-hitter and a 3-1 victory over Dontrelle Willis and the Florida Marlins. The Cardinals' righthander worked his 15th straight quality start to up his record to 16-4 and drop his ERA to 2.26 in 22 starts.

8/1/2005

John Riedling, stl

Two weeks after Riedling was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque, the 29-year-old righthander was returned there Sunday to make room for trade acquisition Ron Villone. Riedling has struggled in 28 games with the Marlins this year, going 4-1 with a 6.33 ERA.

7/29/2005

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter became the National League's first 15-game winner on Thursday, working seven innings of the Cardinals' 11-3 win over San Diego. The 30-year-old righthander improved his record to 15-4, and his 2.33 ERA trails only the Astros' Roger Clemens (1.46) and Roy Oswalt (2.33) in the NL.

Larry Bigbie, stl

On Friday, the Baltimore Orioles dealt Bigbie to the Colorado Rockies for Eric Byrnes. Bigbie, who hasn't been as productive as he was a year ago, is batting .249 with five home runs and 21 RBI in 66 games for the Orioles.

7/26/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Walker decided to get a third cortisone injection in his troublesome neck on Monday, and the St. Louis Cardinals will place him on the 15-day disabled list prior to Tuesday's meeting with the San Diego Padres. The veteran outfielder, who has been bothered by a herniated disc in his neck for more than two months, played in just two games over the past week, striking out five times in eight at-bats. John Gall will be recalled to fill the void on the roster.

John Gall, stl

Gall will be recalled from Triple-A Memphis by the St. Louis Cardinals in time for the start of a three-game series against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. The outfielder will be filling the roster spot of veteran Larry Walker, who will land on the 15-day disabled list because of his nagging neck problem. In 88 games with the minor league club this season, Gall was batting .270 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI.

7/25/2005

Larry Walker, stl

The nagging discomfort in Walker's neck has kept him out of the Cardinals' starting lineup the last two games and might result in a stint on the 15-day disabled list. The veteran outfielder, who's had the problem for more than two months, is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Monday. If he continues to be bothered by pain, a third cortisone injection could be required.

John Rodriguez, stl

Rodriguez was limited to pinch-hitting duties in Sunday's meeting with the Chicago Cubs, due to a sprained right ankle. The Cardinals' rookie outfielder, who suffered the injury when he tripped on an exposed nail in the team's dugout steps, plans to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday. St. Louis has an off-day on Monday.

7/24/2005

Travis Smith, stl

The Marlins optioned Smith to Triple-A Albuquerque late Friday in order to make room for starter Josh Beckett. Beckett returned on Saturday after being on the DL for nearly three weeks with a strained oblique muscle. In 12 appearances for Florida this season, Smith has a 6.75 ERA and .370 OBA.

7/23/2005

Albert Pujols, stl

While Pujols didn't start for the Cardinals on Saturday, the first baseman came to bat as a pinch-hitter during the seventh inning of the Cubs' 6-5 victory over St. Louis. He stayed in the game defensively at first and played the final two innings.

Blaine Neal, stl

The Colorado Rockies transferred Neal from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list on Saturday. The pitcher has been sidelined since mid-June with inflammation in his right elbow.

John Rodriguez, stl

Rodriguez left Saturday's game against the Cubs with a right ankle sprain. The Cardinals' rookie outfielder was running to second base with his second double of the game in the third inning, when he came up lame as he approached the bag. He was replaced in the game by Hector Luna.

7/22/2005

Scott Rolen, stl

The Cardinals have placed third baseman Scott Rolen back on the 15-day disabled list in an attempt to rest his surgically repaired shoulder. Rolen missed 33 games earlier in the season following his surgery, returning on June 18.

7/21/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Walker continues to be bothered by stiffness in his neck, but he responded to treatment on Wednesday and was in the Cardinals' lineup for their meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers. The veteran outfielder, who also is nursing a minor leg problem, according to manager Tony La Russa, went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Wednesday night's 4-2 victory.

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols notched his third home run in as many nights, going 1-for-3 with a longball, two RBI and a walk in Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Since the All-Star break, the Cardinals' first baseman is batting .348 with four home runs and eight RBI in six games.

John Rodriguez, stl

Rodriguez belted the first home run of his major league career, connecting on a pitch from Milwaukee's Ben Sheets in Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Brewers. The outfielder has started all three games since being recalled earlier this week, going 4-for-11 (.364) with an RBI and two runs scored. He is filling in for the injured Reggie Sanders.

7/20/2005

Jim Edmonds, stl

Battling some soreness in his hamstring and groin, Edmonds was held out of the Cardinals' starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The veteran outfielder, who was replaced by So Taguchi, popped out as a pinch-hitter in the eighth and handled the center-field duties in the ninth.

Travis Smith, stl

Smith has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque by the Florida Marlins to fill the roster and bullpen spot of Nate Bump, who is out with inflammation in his pitching shoulder. In 11 relief appearances with the Marlins earlier this season, Smith posted a 7.20 ERA.

Yadier Molina, stl

The Cardinals were optimistic that Molina could be activated from the 15-day disabled list as early as this weekend, but according to manager Tony La Russa, the catcher likely will miss another couple of weeks. He has been sidelined since breaking a bone near the pinkie finger in his left hand when he was hit by a pitch in a game on July 7.

7/19/2005

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen was back in the Cardinals' lineup on Tuesday, just one day after strength tests showed no major problems in his troublesome left shoulder. The third baseman missed more than a month earlier this season after spraining the shoulder and undergoing arthroscopic surgery shortly thereafter.

Rolen has a hit in each of his last two games, but currently is in a 3-for-32 funk. Manager Tony La Russa indicated that Rolen will be in the lineup going forward, as long as the shoulder will allow.

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen was absent from the Cardinals' lineup for Monday night's game against the Milwaukee Brewers after undergoing an MRI on his surgically repaired left shoulder earlier in the day. Results of the tests were negative, but the third baseman continues to be bothered by soreness and tendinitis in the shoulder. He might be forced to take days off occasionally over the next several weeks if the problem doesn't get any better.

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen was back in the Cardinals' lineup on Tuesday, just one day after strength tests showed no major problems in his troublesome left shoulder. The third baseman missed more than a month earlier this season after spraining the shoulder and undergoing arthroscopic surgery shortly thereafter.

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols finished a triple shy of hitting for the cycle in Monday's victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, going 3-for-4 with a double, home run, two RBI and a walk. The first baseman also scored four of the Cardinals' runs in the game.

7/18/2005

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter silenced the Houston Astros' bats in Sunday's 3-0 victory, recording his fourth complete game shutout of the 2005 campaign. The Cardinals' righthander scattered just three hits, struck out nine and walked none. He has won his last six starts, allowing just two runs in 50.2 innings of work over that span.

Jeff Weaver, stl

After seeing his ERA jump to 5.97 following a loss to the Giants on May 24, Weaver has been turning in solid outings on a consistent basis. Although he hasn't received much run support from the Dodgers' offense, the righthander has gone 3-4 with a 2.71 ERA over his last 10 starts, holding opposing hitters to a .204 average during that stretch.

John Riedling, stl

Riedling has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque by the Florida Marlins. The veteran righthander takes the roster spot of 22-year-old Chris Resop, who was optioned to Double-A Carolina on Sunday.

Aaron Miles, stl

Miles went 2-for-4 with a strikeout in Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds, extending his current hitting streak to 12 games -- one shy of his career high. Over that span, the Rockies' second baseman is 17-for-53 (.321) with two doubles, four RBI and a stolen base.

John Rodriguez, stl

The St. Louis Cardinals have purchased Rodriguez' contract from Triple-A Memphis, filling the roster spot of injured veteran Reggie Sanders. The 27-year-old outfielder has been on fire since being acquired from the Cleveland Indians last month, batting .342 with 17 home runs and 47 RBI in 34 games with the Cardinals' top affiliate. He will be making his major league debut.

7/17/2005

Yadier Molina, stl

Molina continues to battle soreness in his left hand, so the Cardinals have decided to place him on the 15-day disabled list, giving him some time to rest and recover. The catcher, who has a broken bone near his pinkie finger, will be replaced on the active roster by utilityman Hector Luna.

7/15/2005

Yadier Molina, stl

After suffering a small non-displaced fracture in his left hand a week ago, Molina is expected to return to the St. Louis Cardinals' lineup on Friday against Houston. The Cards' catcher is batting .255 with five home runs and 30 RBI in 74 games this season.

7/14/2005

Preston Wilson, stl

In need of some pop in their run for the National League East title, the Washington Nationals acquired Wilson and cash considerations from the Colorado Rockies, in exchange for righthander Zach Day, outfielder J.J. Davis and either a player to be named or cash considerations. Wilson batted .258 with 15 home runs and 47 RBI in 71 games for the Rockies.

Preston Wilson, stl

Wilson made himself at home in the Washington lineup Thursday afternoon, homering in his first at-bat with the Nationals. He powered a drive into the left-field seats at Miller Park to give Washington a 1-0 lead over Milwaukee in the second inning of the first game following the All-Star break.

7/13/2005

Junior Spivey, stl

The Washington Nationals put Spivey on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, four days after the second baseman broke his right wrist while hitting off a tee before a game. He is expected to miss 8-12 weeks. In 72 games this season, Spivey is batting .232 with seven home runs and 24 RBI.

7/11/2005

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen was advised by the Cardinals' medical staff to rest his troublesome left shoulder over the next few days, so the third baseman has decided to withdraw from the All-Star game. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by the Cubs' Aramis Ramirez, while Houston's Morgan Ensberg will take his spot on the National League roster.

Juan Encarnacion, stl

Encarnacion has been absent from the Marlins' lineup the past two days after taking a pitch off his left forearm late in Friday's loss to the Chicago Cubs. Precautionary X-rays were negative, but the outfielder had a nasty bruise and was battling quite a bit of pain. He plans to be ready for action following this week's All-Star break.

Brian Falkenborg, stl

Opening a spot on the roster for Sunday's starter Pedro Astacio, the San Diego Padres designated Falkenborg for assignment. The reliever made 10 appearances in the major leagues this season, posting an 8.18 ERA. He struck out 10, walked five and allowed two home runs in 11 innings of work.

Mark Mulder, stl

Mulder is going to use the All-Star break to rest his strained groin, an injury suffered in Friday's meeting with the San Francisco Giants. The Cardinals' lefthander said the ailment is minor, and he plans to be ready for his next turn in the starting rotation. Prior to leaving Friday's contest, Mulder allowed just four hits over seven shutout innings.

7/9/2005

Juan Encarnacion, stl

Encarnacion may sit Saturday after suffering a bruised left forearm when he was hit by a pitch in the 9th inning of Friday's game against the Cubs. X-rays were negative.

Junior Spivey, stl

Spivey is expected to miss 8-12 weeks after breaking his right wrist in a freak accident before Saturday's game against the Phillies. The infielder said he heard something in his wrist pop while hitting off of the T. Spivey, acquired from Milwaukee in June, is hitting .232 with 7 home runs and 24 RBI.

Junior Spivey, stl

Spivey is expected to miss 8-12 weeks after breaking his right wrist in a freak accident before Saturday's game against the Phillies. The infielder said he heard something in his wrist pop while hitting off of a tee during batting practic. Spivey, acquired from Milwaukee in June, is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday, and he will be placed on the 15-day disabled list shortly thereafter.

7/8/2005

Jason Marquis, stl

Marquis had one of his better outings of the 2005 campaign, but did not figure into the decision in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cardinals' righthander allowed just one run on four hits -- including a solo home run to Luis Gonzalez, in eight innings of work. He struck out seven and walked one.

Yadier Molina, stl

Molina was forced to leave Thurday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks after taking a pitch off his left hand in the eighth inning. Following the contest, tests revealed that the Cardinals' catcher has a small non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone. According to trainer Barry Weinberg, Molina will be re-evaluated on Friday, but the team does not expect him to miss much time.

7/7/2005

Jason Isringhausen, stl

Isringhausen allowed a hit and walked a batter, but pitched a scoreless ninth inning in Wednesday's 2-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks to notch the 200th save of his major league career. The Cardinals' closer has converted 23 of his 25 opportunities on the season.

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter notched his fifth consecutive win, tossing eight solid innings in Wednesday's 2-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cardinals' righthander, who currently is tied for the major league lead with 13 wins on the season, allowed just one run on three hits, struck out seven and walked two.

7/4/2005

Ricky Stone, stl

The Cincinnati Reds outrighted Stone to Triple-A Louisville Sunday in anticipation of recalling Elizardo Ramirez to make Monday's start against the San Francisco Giants. Stone was called up at the beginning of May after going 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA with Louisville. But the righthanded reliever had an ERA of 6.75 in 23 appearances with the Reds, with most of the damage coming in his last three outings.

7/3/2005

Brian Falkenborg, stl

The San Diego Padres recalled Falkenborg on Saturday, providing the club with an extra arm in the bullpen following the trade that shipped two pitchers -- Tim Redding and Darrell May -- to the Yankees for righthander Paul Quantrill. Falkenborg has an 11.05 ERA in eight relief appearances for San Diego this season.

6/30/2005

Larry Walker, stl

After receiving a cortisone injection to help with the pain caused by a small disc herniation in his neck two days earlier, Walker returned to the Cardinals' lineup on Wednesday and led the team to an 11-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The veteran outfielder, who had been absent from the starting lineup for a week, went 2-for-3 with a pair of home runs and four RBI.

John Riedling, stl

Riedling has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque by the Florida Marlins, opening a spot on the roster for Josh Beckett, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list in time to take the mound against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. In 23 relief appearances with the Marlins this season, Riedling is 4-1 with a 7.04 ERA.

6/29/2005

Albert Pujols, stl

With a couple more singles in Tuesday's victory over the Cincinnati Reds, Pujols extended his current hitting streak to 10 games. Over that span, the Cardinals' first baseman is 16-for-37 (.432) with a double, four home runs, 12 RBI and two stolen bases. He's also walked six times.

6/28/2005

Aaron Miles, stl

After missing more than a month with a strained muscle in his chest and side, Miles has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies. The infielder fills the roster spot of Ryan Shealy, who was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Monday.

6/27/2005

Yadier Molina, stl

In Sunday's extra-inning loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Molina went 2-for-3 with three RBI and homered for the third consecutive game. Over his last seven contests, the Cardinals' catcher is 11-for-24 (.458) with three doubles, three home runs and seven RBI.

6/25/2005

Roger Cedeno, stl

On Friday the Cardinals activated outfielder Roger Cedeno from the 15-day disabled list. Immediately following the activation, the club designated Cedeno for assignment to rehab at Triple-A Memphis. Cedeno should spend a few weeks in Memphis working out his strained hamstring.

6/24/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Earlier this season, Walker received a cortisone injection to help with the pain caused by a small disc herniation in his neck. The Cardinals' veteran outfielder continues to be bothered by some discomfort in the area, even though an MRI shows no major change from initial tests done in April. According to the Cardinals' doctors, Walker will take medication for the ailment, and they'd like to avoid another injection, if possible.

Travis Smith, stl

The Florida Marlins have optioned Smith to Triple-A Albuquerque, opening a spot on the roster for 21-year-old lefthander Scott Olsen, who is slated to take the mound against the Devil Rays on Saturday. Smith has made 11 relief appearances with the Marlins this season, posting a 7.20 ERA.

Randy Flores, stl

Flores was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday with a blister on his foot. Flores threw two innings of relief on Thursday, and developed the blister during that outing. The Cardinals have recalled reliever Carmen Cali to take Flores' place on the roster.

Carmen Cali, stl

The Cardinals have recalled relief pitcher Carmen Cali from Triple-A Memphis. Earlier in the day the team placed pitcher Randy Flores on the 15-day disabled list, opening a roster spot for Cali. The 26-year-old lefthander posted a 15.00 ERA over three innings in a May stint with the Cardinals. Cali was 2-3 with a 4.45 ERA and two saves for Memphis.

6/23/2005

Mark Mulder, stl

Mulder lasted just four innings in Wednesday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds, surrendering seven runs on 12 hits -- both season highs. The Cardinals' lefthander has just one win in his last five starts and has given up four or more runs in five of his last eight outings. For the year, he is 8-5 with a 4.75 ERA.

6/22/2005

Jim Edmonds, stl

After missing more than a week with a hairline fracture in one of his left ribs, Edmonds was back in the Cardinals' starting lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds. The veteran outfielder went 1-for-4 with a walk, RBI, run scored and two strikeouts. In 60 games this season, Edmonds is batting .284 with 11 home runs, 40 RBI and one stolen base.

Jason Marquis, stl

Marquis lasted just 2.1 innings before getting the hook in Tuesday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Prior to his departure, the Cardinals' righthander allowed a career-high 10 runs -- six earned -- on seven hits, including two home runs. He struck out only one batter and gave three free passes.

6/21/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Walker was expected to play in Monday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds, but he was a last-minute scratch, due to a stiff neck. The outfielder, who is not expected to miss much time with the minor ailment, was replaced by John Mabry. The Cardinals have listed Walker as day-to-day.

Scott Spiezio, stl

Spiezio has rebounded from a back injury that he suffered last week during his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma. The Mariners' utilityman, who went on the DL with an oblique strain in mid-April, is nearly ready to resume his rehab assignment. On Monday, he participated in a full pregame workout, hitting and taking grounders at third base.

6/20/2005

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds missed his sixth consecutive game with a hairline fracture in one of his left ribs, but he reported improvement after taking batting practice with the Cardinals prior to Sunday's meeting with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Despite the progress, the outfielder likely will miss at least a couple more days. A trip to the 15-day disabled list is not expected at this point.

6/18/2005

Scott Rolen, stl

The Cardinals activated Rolen from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday, prior to the team's game with the Devil Rays. Rolen has been out for more than five weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. Before going down, the All-Star third baseman was batting .257 with five home runs and 20 RBI in 30 games this season.

6/17/2005

Blaine Neal, stl

The Rockies have placed pitcher Blaine Neal on the 15-day disabled list on Friday due to inflammation in his right elbow. In 11 games this season, Neal acquired a record of 1-2 with a 6.14 ERA. Infielder Tim Olson was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs to take Neal's place on the roster.

6/16/2005

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen, on the disabled list since May 11 because of a left shoulder sprain, has rejoined the St. Louis Cardinals in Tampa Bay. The Cardinals' third baseman isn't likely to be activated during the weekend series with the Devil Rays, but he could return early next week, when the club will be in Cincinnati for a three-game set that starts Monday.

Brian Daubach, stl

The New York Mets placed infielder Miguel Cairo on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday, and they recalled Daubach to take Cairo's spot on the 25-man roster. Daubach was tearing up Triple-A pitching with a .356 average at Triple-A Norfolk.

Jorge Sosa, stl

Sosa, who has been forced into the Atlanta rotation because of injuries to Braves starters, will pitch on three days' rest Saturday in place of Tim Hudson, who became the third starter to go on the disabled list Thursday. Sosa was scheduled to make his second start for Atlanta on Sunday, but he moves up a day to cover for Hudson.

6/15/2005

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds, bothered by a strained pectoral muscle in his ribcage, is expected to be out until at least the start of the Cardinals' weekend series in Tampa Bay. It's possible he could be out longer. Edmonds is batting .285 with 11 home runs, 39 RBI and a .397 on-base percentage this season.

Scott Spiezio, stl

Out since mid-April with a strained left oblique muscle, Spiezio had his minor league rehab assignment put on hold after the Mariners' utilityman hurt his back. A bone scan and an MRI exam have been administered, and the Mariners are awaiting test results before determining how long Spiezio may be sidelined by his back.

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter turned in his best performance of the season Tuesday, blanking his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays, on one hit for a 7-0 St. Louis victory. The 30-year-old righthander allowed only Russ Adams' two-out double down the right-field line in the sixth and a free pass to Gregg Zaun earlier in the game while striking out 10. After Adams' double, Carpenter retired the final 10 batters to seal the deal.

6/14/2005

Jim Edmonds, stl

Bothered by bruised ribs, Edmonds was a late scratch for St. Louis' 4-1 loss to Toronto on Monday. The Cardinals' center fielder said he is not likely to be ready for Tuesday night's game, either. Edmonds is hitting .285 with 11 home runs, 39 RBI and a .397 on-base percentage this season.

6/13/2005

Cal Eldred, stl

Eldred, who has been sidelined for two months with an infection in his heart lining, has been activated from the disabled list by the St. Louis Cardinals. To make room for the veteran righthander, the Cardinals designated southpaw Gabe White for assignment.

Larry Bigbie, stl

Before Baltimore's 8-5 win over Houston Monday, the Orioles activated Bigbie from the disabled list and put him in the starting lineup. The left fielder stroked his first homer of the year in the O's six-run second inning, and he went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI.

Ramon Nivar, stl

To make room for Larry Bigbie's return from the disabled list Monday, the Baltimore Orioles optioned Nivar to Triple-A Ottawa. The 25-year-old Nivar went 4-for-13 (.308) in seven games with the Orioles after being recalled on June 2.

6/12/2005

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen worked out in the field and took BP on Friday, and the St. Louis third baseman looks like a go to begin his official rehab assignment on Monday. Rolen has been out of the Cardinals' lineup since injuring his left shoulder in a May 10 collision with Dodgers first baseman Hee Seop Choi. Assuming all goes well during the rehab assignment, the team hopes to have Rolen back for the upcoming weekend series against the Devil Rays.

6/10/2005

Junior Spivey, stl

On Friday, the Milwaukee Brewers dealt Spivey to the Washington Nationals for righthander Tomo Ohka. The 30-year-old second baseman, who was batting just .236 in 49 games for the Brewers, will take over as the Nationals' starting second baseman. The National League East leaders have been without starter Jose Vidro since early May.

6/8/2005

Larry Bigbie, stl

Bigbie will begin a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Ottawa on Wednesday. The Orioles' left fielder probably will remain with the minor league team until at least Sunday. Bigbie, who was placed on the disabled list on May 28 with a strained left hamstring, said he is pain free and ready to go.

6/7/2005

David Eckstein, stl

Eckstein's consistency at the plate continued in Monday's meeting with the Boston Red Sox, as he went 3-for-5 with a triple and three RBI. The Cardinals' shortstop has hit safely in 15 of his last 17 games, including nine straight. Over that span, he is batting .333 (23-for-69) with one home run, two triples, six RBI and two stolen bases. He's also scored 13 runs.

Josh Hancock, stl

After battling a groin injury for more than two months, Hancock has been assigned to Triple-A Louisville by the Cincinnati Reds to being a minor league rehab assignment. The righthander, who will take the mound against Charlotte on Tuesday, was slated to possibly land a spot in the Reds' starting rotation out of spring training, but the injury problems were a major setback to his chances.

6/6/2005

Roger Cedeno, stl

Nursing a strained right hamstring -- an injury suffered while running the bases on Saturday -- Cedeno has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the St. Louis Cardinals. The ailment is minor, and the outfielder is expected to be ready to come off the DL when eligible in a couple of weeks. Skip Schumaker was recalled to fill the void on the roster.

Brian Falkenborg, stl

Making room on the roster for Sunday's starting pitcher Woody Williams, the San Diego Padres optioned Falkenborg to their Triple-A affiliate in Portland. In his most recent appearance, the righthanded reliever allowed six runs on six hits and failed to record an out before being pulled in Saturday's loss to the Chicago Cubs.

Skip Schumaker, stl

The St. Louis Cardinals have purchased Schumaker's contract from Triple-A Memphis, replacing fellow outfielder Roger Cedeno, who will miss the next couple of weeks with a minor hamstring strain. In 58 games with the minor league club this season, Schumaker was batting .283 with four home runs, 14 RBI and eight stolen bases.

6/4/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Larry Walker sat out Friday's game against the Houston Astros after the outfielder came down with a migraine.

6/3/2005

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds, who strained a muscle tendon in his left foot last month, aggravated the injury while playing the field midway through Thursday's matchup with the Colorado Rockies. The veteran outfielder was replaced in the Cardinals' lineup by So Taguchi, and he has been listed as day-to-day. Prior to his departure, Edmonds was 1-for-4 with a strikeout.

Jason Isringhausen, stl

Isringhausen had his roughest outing of the 2005 campaign, taking the loss in Thursday's meeting with the Colorado Rockies and blowing his first save since last September. The Cardinals' closer surrendered three runs on three hits and two walks, and failed to record an out before giving way to Randy Flores.

Gary Bennett, stl

Getting a rare start in place of regular catcher Brian Schneider, Bennett took advantage of the opportunity, going 2-for-4 with a double, home run and a career-high five RBI in Thursday's victory over the Atlanta Braves. The Nationals' veteran backstop has appeared in just 19 games this season, going 16-for-60 (.267) with one homer and 13 RBI.

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen is still a couple weeks away from returning to the Cardinals' lineup, but he continues to expand his workouts as he recovers from a strained left shoulder. The third baseman, who has been sidelined since May 10, resumed throwing and taking some light swings over the past few days. Originally, he was slated to miss 4-6 weeks.

Yadier Molina, stl

After spraining his ankle the previous night, Molina was absent from the Cardinals' lineup for Thursday's meeting with the Colorado Rockies. The catcher, who was replaced by Einar Diaz, has been listed as day-to-day. In 44 games this season, he is batting .257 with two home runs and 17 RBI.

5/31/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Walker's sprained left ankle has improved over the past couple of days, and barring any setbacks, he will be back in the Cardinals' starting lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the Colorado Rockies, his former team. The veteran outfielder has been limited to one pinch-hit appearance since suffering the injury in Saturday's win over the Washington Nationals.

5/30/2005

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds was 2-for-2 with two walks and notched his third home run in as many days in Sunday's loss to the Washington Nationals. Over his last four games, the Cardinals' outfielder is 7-for-13 with three doubles, three home runs, three walks and seven RBI.

Travis Smith, stl

Smith has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque by the Florida Marlins, filling the roster spot of veteran righthander Frank Castillo, who was designated for assignment on Sunday after making a spot start for the injured A.J. Burnett late last week. Smith appeared in four games with the Marlins earlier this season, but posted an 8.10 ERA and was demoted to the minor leagues.

5/29/2005

Larry Bigbie, stl

Continued aggravation of his strained left hamstring has landed Bigbie on the disabled list. The Orioles' outfielder made his last appearance on May 19, and is currently batting .241 with no home runs and nine RBI in 112 at-bats. Rookie Napoleon Calzado was called up from Triple-A Ottawa to take his place on the active roster.

5/26/2005

Preston Wilson, stl

Sidelined with flu-like symptoms the previous three days, Wilson was back in the Rockies' lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers, going 0-for-4 with a strikeout. With the performance, the outfielder saw his season batting average dip to .238.

Aaron Miles, stl

Miles aggravated the strained muscle in his right side and was forced to leave Wednesday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Rockies' second baseman, who has been battling the injury for more than a week, was placed on the 15-day disabled list prior to Thursday's meeting with the Chicago Cubs. Shortstop Eddy Garabito will fill the void on the roster.

Yadier Molina, stl

Molina turned in the best night of his young major league career in Wednesday's matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two doubles, four RBI and two runs scored. With the performance, the Cardinals' catcher improved his season batting average by nearly 25 points.

5/24/2005

Preston Wilson, stl

Wilson battled through flu-like symptoms during the Rockies' batting practice on Monday and decided to sit out the team's meeting with the Milwaukee Brewers later in the evening. Dustan Mohr got the starting nod in center field in his stead.

Brian Falkenborg, stl

The San Diego Padres have recalled Falkenborg from Triple-A Portland, filling the roster spot of injured second baseman Mark Loretta, who is expected to be sidelined for at least two months with a torn ligament in his wrist. The righthander appeared in three games during a short stint with the Padres earlier this season, allowing two runs on one hit and two walks in 2.1 innings of work.

Aaron Miles, stl

Miles returned to the Rockies' starting lineup for Monday's matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers, but struggled, going 0-for-4 with a strikeout. The second baseman had been limited over the previous week with a strained muscle in his side.

5/20/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Walker wasn't in the St. Louis lineup against Philadelphia on Thursday, bothered by pain in the ring finger of his left hand. It's a condition that has surfaced periodically over the last four seasons, and it makes it difficult for Walker to grip a bat with his top hand. Manager Tony La Russa called it arthritis, but whatever you call it, Walker may not be in the Cardinals' lineup for Friday night's series opener against Kansas City.

5/19/2005

Travis Smith, stl

Smith has been optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque by the Flordia Marlins, opening a spot on the roster for fellow righthander Logan Kensing, who was called up from Double-A Carolina late Wednesday. Smith has appeared in just four games with the Marlins this season, posting an 8.10 ERA.

5/18/2005

Jim Edmonds, stl

Monday's off-day was enough time for Edmonds to rest his ailing left foot, and he was back in the Cardinals' lineup for Tuesday's meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran outfielder, who strained a muscle tendon in the foot while chasing a ball in the fourth inning of Sunday's win over the New York Mets, hopes to avoid missing any time going forward. He was 1-for-3 with a double, two walks and an RBI in his return.

If the foot happens to act up over the next several days, the Cardinals will ask So Taguchi to handle the center-field duties, allowing Edmonds to rest. However, expect Edmonds to play if at all possible. For the season, he is batting .282 with six home runs, 23 RBI and one stolen base in 36 games.

Brian Falkenborg, stl

Falkenborg has been optioned to Triple-A Portland by the San Diego Padres, opening a spot on the roster for infielder Geoff Blum, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday. The righthander appeared in just three games during his short stint with the major league club this season, allowing two runs on one hit and two walks in 2.1 innings of work.

5/16/2005

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds injured his left foot while chasing a ball in the fourth inning of Sunday's win over the New York Mets, but remained in the game until giving way to So Taguchi in the ninth. The Cardinals' outfielder has been diagnosed with a strained muscle tendon in the foot, an injury that is not considered serious, according to trainer Barry Weinberg. He will be evaluated and receive treatment on a daily basis.

The Cardinals have an off-day on Monday, giving Edmonds some time to rest. He has been listed as day-to-day. In 35 games this season, Edmonds is batting .281 with six home runs, 22 RBI and one stolen base.

5/13/2005

Jason Isringhausen, stl

Isringhausen will be activated from the 15-day disabled list and be available for the start of the Cardinals upcoming nine-game road trip, which begins on Friday against the Mets in New York. The closer, who has been out with a strained right abdominal muscle, was slated to come off the DL on Thursday, but manager Tony La Russa wanted to see him face some batters in a simulated situation first. Isringhausen threw off the mound on Thursday and reported no problems.

Catcher Mike Mahoney was optioned to the minors to open a spot on the roster for Isringhausen. In 10 relief appearances this season, Izzy has posted a 1.08 ERA and seven saves, striking out six and walking six in 8.1 innings of work.

Scott Rolen, stl

An initial MRI taken on Rolen's sprained left shoulder on Thursday revealed no structural damage, but the Cardinals' third baseman will undergo more tests over the next couple of days -- when some of the pain in his shoulder subsides -- to rule out any problems with the labrum. According to team physician Dr. George Paletta, Rolen, who suffered the injury in a collision with the Dodgers' Hee Seop Choi on Tuesday, will be sidelined from 3-6 weeks.

Rolen still had no motion in his arm on Thursday, prompting the Cardinals to place him on the 15-day disabled list. In his absence, John Mabry is expected to get the majority of the starts at the hot corner, while Scott Seabol will serve as the primary backup. In 30 games this season, Rolen is batting .257 with seven doubles, five home runs and 20 RBI.

Larry Bigbie, stl

Bigbie felt a twinge in one of his hamstrings while leaving the batter's box in the third inning of Baltimore's loss to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He came out of the game and probably won't play on Friday, as the leg stiffened up on him. Bigbie has been off to a slow start this season, batting .247 with a .284 on-base percentage. He hasn't hit a homer, and he has scored just six runs and driven in eight in 27 games.

Bigbie's absence means the Orioles' entire starting outfield on Opening Day is out with injuries. Reports suggest Bigbie's down time will be brief, but it may provide some playing time for rookie Jeff Fiorentino, who was just recalled from high Class-A Frederick. He and David Newhan are the Orioles' options for center field.

5/12/2005

Jason Isringhausen, stl

Isringhausen had no problems after throwing a 38-pitch bullpen session in front of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan on Tuesday. According to Duncan, barring any last-minute setbacks, the team will activate the closer in time for Thursday's meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Isringhausen has been sidelined for the last two weeks with a strained muscle in his right side.

Isringhausen has shown no lasting effects from offseason hip surgery, and he's off to a solid start in 2005. In 10 relief appearances, he has posted a 1.08 ERA and seven saves, striking out six and walking six in 8.1 innings of work.

Jason Isringhausen, stl

Isringhausen was expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time for Thursday's meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Cardinals will wait another day or two to make the move. According to manager Tony La Russa, the team would like to see the closer pitch a simulated game before asking him to return to regular action. Isringhausen has been sidelined for two weeks with a strained right abdominal muscle.

Isringhausen tossed 38 pitches during a bullpen session on Tuesday and reported no problems. He should be back in the bullpen this weekend. In 10 relief appearances, Izzy has posted a 1.08 ERA and seven saves, striking out six and walking six in 8.1 innings of work.

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his ailing left shoulder on Thursday. The Cardinals' third baseman, who was knocked out of Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after smashing into first baseman Hee Seop Choi in the fifth inning, will be placed on the 15-day disabled list, according to team physician Dr. George Paletta. Rolen actually reported feeling worse on Wednesday, obviously not a good sign. Scott Seabol will be recalled to fill the roster spot.

Rolen's status will be updated following Thursday's tests, but don't expect him back any time soon. He separated the same shoulder during the 2002 playoffs and missed the rest of the postseason, although the team said the new injury is unrelated. John Mabry and Seabol will fill the void at the hot corner until Rolen is back in action. In 30 games this season, Rolen is batting .257 with seven doubles, five home runs and 20 RBI.

David Eckstein, stl

Eckstein went 3-for-4 with an RBI, one run scored and a walk in Thursday's win over the Dodgers to extend his hitting streak to 13 games and finish the four-game series against LA 11-for-16 at the plate. During his streak, the Cardinals' shortstop is batting .424 (25-for-59) with three doubles, seven RBI, 10 runs scored and one stolen base.

The light-hitting Eckstein has been a solid addition to the top of the Cardinals' batting order this season, posting an on-base percentage near .400.

Yadier Molina, stl

According to Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, Molina's sprained left ankle has shown significant improvement over the past couple of days, and the catcher could return to the lineup as early as Thursday's meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Molina, who suffered the injury on a play at first base in the seventh inning of Sunday's game against the San Diego Padres, is batting .200 with five RBI in 26 games this season.

Consider Molina as day-to-day at this point, but it appears he is close to a return. Mike Mahoney was called up as insurance, but likely will be sent back to the minors once Molina is back in action.

Yadier Molina, stl

After missing the last three days with a sprained left ankle, Molina was back behind the plate for the Cardinals in Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The catcher, who suffered the injury on a play at first base in the seventh inning of Sunday's game against the San Diego Padres, went 3-for-4 with an RBI in his return. He's now hitting .223 with three doubles and six RBI in 27 games this season.

Einar Diaz will resume backup duties now that Molina is good to go. Mike Mahoney was called up as insurance, but likely will be sent back to the minors within the next couple of days when closer Jason Isringhausen is slated to be activated from the disabled list.

5/11/2005

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen was knocked out of Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after smashing into first baseman Hee Seop Choi in the fifth inning. The Cardinals' third baseman, who said he heard a pop during the collision, was diagnosed with a sprained left (non-throwing) shoulder, and he will undergo more tests on Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury. For now, he has been listed as day-to-day.

Rolen separated the same shoulder during the 2002 playoffs and missed the rest of the postseason, but the team said the new injury is unrelated. If he is forced to sit out, John Mabry and Abraham Nunez will fill the void at the hot corner. In 30 games this season, Rolen is batting .257 with seven doubles, five home runs and 20 RBI.

David Eckstein, stl

Eckstein went 3-for-4 with a walk and RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers to extend his current hitting streak to 11 games. Over that span, the Cardinals' shortstop is batting .360 with three doubles, five RBI, eight runs scored and a stolen base.

Eckstein lacks power, but he has been solid at the top of the Cardinals' batting order this season, posting a .378 on-base percentage. In 31 games, he is hitting .299 with nine RBI, two steals and 15 runs scored.

Larry Bigbie, stl

In Baltimore's first game after losing center fielder Luis Matos to a broken finger, Bigbie was in center field for the Orioles. That opened left field to B.J. Surhoff, and Jay Gibbons got the start in right.

Blaine Neal, stl

The Colorado Rockies have claimed Neal off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. The righthander, who was designated for assignment over the weekend, is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in eight relief appearances this season.

Neal has pitched in 102 games in his major league career, posting a 4-2 record and 4.94 ERA. He is not worth a spot on your fantasy roster.

5/10/2005

Brian Falkenborg, stl

Falkenborg tossed a perfect inning in Monday night's extra-inning win over the Cincinnati Reds after being recalled from Triple-A Portland earlier in the day. The 27-year-old righthander takes the roster spot of the struggling Randy Williams, who was designated for assignment by the Padres.

In 13 relief appearances with the minor league club this season, Falkenborg went 3-1 with a 1.47 ERA. He has pitched in just nine major league games in his career.

Mark Mulder, stl

Mulder keeps the victories coming, notching his fifth win in as many starts in Monday's meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cardinals' lefthander allowed just one run on five hits and two walks over seven innings of work, and he tied a career high with 12 strikeouts.

After allowing 10 earned runs in his first two starts, Mulder has given up just five earned runs in his last five outings. For the season, he is 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA and one shutout in seven starts.

Albert Pujols, stl

Pujols went a perfect 2-for-2 with a pair of home runs, a couple walks and four RBI in Monday's victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cardinals' first baseman connected for a solo shot to left-center in the first inning before adding a three-run homer in the fifth. He has two or more hits in nine of his last 14 games.

Pujols likely can't wait until he meets up with the Dodgers' Odalis Perez again, as he's belted four home runs in 12 career at-bats against the lefthander. After getting off to a bit of a slow start this season, Pujols appears to have found his groove at the plate. In 31 games, he is batting .341 with nine home runs, 27 RBI and two stolen bases.

5/9/2005

Larry Walker, stl

In Sunday's victory over the San Diego Padres, Walker was a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI and three runs scored, finishing just a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. The Cardinals' outfielder, who missed some time last week with a groin injury, is 5-for-12 with two home runs and three RBI since returning to action.

With the game well in hand, the Cardinals chose to remove Walker midway through Sunday's contest to avoid further injury. In 25 games this season, he is batting .273 with four home runs and 11 RBI, but has struck out 20 times in 88 at-bats.

Bill Pulsipher, stl

Pulsipher has been sent outright to Triple-A Memphis by the St. Louis Cardinals, opening a spot on the roster for backup catcher Mike Mahoney. The veteran lefthander, who missed nearly a month of action earlier this season with a strained hamstring, has posted a 6.75 ERA in five relief appearances with St. Louis.

If you were unfortunate enough to have Pulsipher on your pitching staff, this likely is good news. There are better fantasy options out there.

Aaron Miles, stl

Miles took an Al Leiter pitch deep to left field in the fourth inning of Sunday's win over the Florida Marlins to notch his first home run of the season and first grand slam of his major league career. The Rockies' second baseman went into the game with just two hits in his previous 21 at-bats, which dropped his season batting average from .333 to .281.

In 26 games this season, Miles has five doubles, two triples, one home run, 11 RBI and one stolen base. He has seen the majority of starts at second base this year, but Luis Gonzalez also has figured into the mix.

Yadier Molina, stl

Molina needed some assistance from the Cardinals' trainers as he left the field following a play at first base in the seventh inning of Sunday's game against the San Diego Padres. The catcher has been diagnosed with a sprained left ankle, but will be re-evaluated on Monday to determine the extent of the injury.

Molina does not think the injury is serious, but as insurance, the team plans to recall Mike Mahoney from Triple-A Memphis. Einar Diaz will see the majority of the work behind the plate until Molina can return. Molina is batting .200 with five RBI in 26 games this season.

5/6/2005

Larry Walker, stl

As he had hoped, Walker was back in the Cardinals' lineup for Thursday's meeting with the San Diego Padres after missing the previous three days with a sore groin. The veteran outfielder went 1-for-4 with a walk in his return.

So Taguchi had been filling in during Walker's absence, but returned to a reserve role on Thursday. In 22 games this season, Walker is batting .250 with two home runs and eight RBI.

Bill Pulsipher, stl

Pulsipher struggled in his return to the Cardinals' bullpen, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk in just one inning of work in Thursday's loss to the San Diego Padres. The veteran lefthander, who returned to the major leagues this season for the first time since 2001, was activated from the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day after missing nearly a month with a strained right hamstring.

To make room on the roster for Pulsipher, the Cardinals optioned fellow lefty Carmen Cali to Triple-A Memphis. In four relief appearances this season, Pulsipher has posted a 10.13 ERA.

Jason Isringhausen, stl

After playing some long toss on Thursday, Isringhausen reported being pain-free. His strained abdominal muscle has improved to the point where the Cardinals believe the reliever will be ready to go as soon as he is eligible to come off the disabled list on May 11. Barring any setbacks, he will throw off a mound this weekend before being re-evaluated.

Julian Tavarez is the top option for save situations in Izzy's absence, but Randy Flores and Ray King could figure into the mix as well. In 10 appearances this season, Isringhausen has notched seven saves and posted a 1.08 ERA.

Preston Wilson, stl

The Colorado Rockies expect Wilson to return to the lineup shortly, and it could be as early as Friday's meeting with the Florida Marlins. The outfielder, who is batting .235 with four home runs, 15 RBI and two stolen bases in 18 contests this season, was forced to leave in the sixth inning of Monday's game against the San Diego Padres, due to tightness in his right groin.

Although he wasn't needed, Wilson was available for pinch-hitting duties on Wednesday. Dustan Mohr and/or Cory Sullivan will fill in until Wilson is back on the field. Consider him as day-to-day.

Ricky Stone, stl

The Cincinnati Reds have purchased Stone's contract from Triple-A Louisville, filling the roster spot of struggling reliever Joe Valentine. In nine relief appearances with the minor league club this season, the righthanded Stone has posted a 2-1 record and 2.57 ERA. He's struck out 15 and walked three while holding opposing batters to a .192 average.

Stone made his major league debut in 2001. He split the 2004 campaign between the Houston Astros and San Diego Padres, going a combined 2-2 with a 6.45 ERA.

Carmen Cali, stl

Opening a spot on the roster for Bill Pulsipher, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals have optioned Cali to Triple-A Memphis. According to manager Tony La Russa, the club would like to give the lefthander some time to work on his control with the minor league club.

In two stints with the Cardinals this season, Cali has allowed five runs on seven hits -- including three home runs -- in just three innings of work. He should be back in St. Louis later this season, but he isn't worth a spot on your fantasy squad.

5/5/2005

Larry Walker, stl

Bothered by a sore groin, Walker has been absent from the St. Louis Cardinals' lineup since Sunday. The veteran outfielder has shown improvement over the past couple of days, and barring any setbacks, he should be back in action for the majority of this weekend's series against the San Diego Padres. Officially, he is listed as day-to-day.

So Taguchi has been filling in during Walker's absence. In 21 games this season, Walker is batting .250 with two home runs and eight RBI.

Scott Rolen, stl

Rolen returned to the St. Louis Cardinals' starting lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds after missing the team's previous two contests with a sore upper back. The third baseman reported no lingering problems, going 1-for-3 with a two-run homer.

Rolen had not missed a game this season before sitting out Monday and Tuesday. He is batting .270 with four home runs and 14 RBI.

Mark Mulder, stl

Mulder recorded his fourth consecutive win in Wednesday's 7-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Cardinals' lefthander held the Reds' sluggers to just three hits over seven shutout innings, striking out three and walking one. For the season, Mulder is 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and one complete game in six starts.

Mulder isn't going to post high strikeout totals, but his consistency in all other pitching categories will help any fantasy squad. With the Cardinals' potent offense as support, he could be well on his way to notching a career-high total for wins in a season.

5/4/2005

Jason Marquis, stl

Marquis worked eight strong innings in Tuesday's victory over the Cincinnati Reds to notch his fourth win in his last five games. The Cardinals' righthander allowed just one run on three hits, striking out two and walking three. He had given up nine runs in his previous two outings combined.

In six starts so far this season, Marquis is 4-1 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. With the Cardinals' potent offense in his corner, Marquis is a solid option in all fantasy leagues.

5/3/2005

Scott Rolen, stl

After starting the Cardinals first 23 games of the 2005 campaign, Rolen was absent from the lineup for Monday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds, due to a sore upper back. The third baseman, who was replaced by John Mabry, has been listed as day-to-day. He will be re-evaluated on Tuesday to determine his availability.

The Cardinals do not believe the injury is serious, so expect Rolen to return shortly. He is batting .267 with three home runs and 12 RBI this season.

Preston Wilson, stl

Wilson was forced to leave in the sixth inning of Monday's game against the San Diego Padres, due to tightness in his right groin. As a precautionary measure, the Rockies plan to keep the outfielder out of the lineup for at least the next couple of days. Dustan Mohr and/or Cory Sullivan are expected to fill in during Wilson's absence.

Wilson's injury does not appear serious, so consider him as day-to-day for now. In 18 games this season, he is batting .235 with four home runs, 15 RBI and two stolen bases.

5/2/2005

Junior Spivey, stl

Spivey came down with the flu prior to Sunday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds and was sent home as a result. In his absence, Bill Hall got the nod at second base. The Brewers have listed Spivey as day-to-day and are optimistic that he will be ready for Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs.

Milwaukee is off on Monday. In 22 games this season, Spivey is batting .227 with three home runs, 10 RBI and a stolen base.

John Webb, stl

To make room for Damon Hollins on the 25-man roster, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have designated Webb for assignment. The 25-year-old righthander made one appearance for the Rays this season, allowing six hits, four walks and eight earned runs in a four-inning start against Texas on April 20. He took the loss, his only decision over five big league appearances for his career. He was 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in four games (three starts) at Triple-A Durham.

The Devil Rays have 10 days to trade, release or request waivers on Webb.

5/1/2005

Travis Smith, stl

Smith was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday, but with closer Guillermo Mota going on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow problem, the Marlins have recalled the righthander. He has appeared in just one game with Florida this season, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in a scoreless inning.

Smith will pitch in middle relief, and he has no fantasy value at this point.

4/30/2005

Jason Isringhausen, stl

Isringhausen's strained abdominal muscle has improved to the point where the club believes the reliever will be ready to go as soon as he is eligible to come off the disabled list on May 11.

Julian Tavarez will be the Cardinals' primary closer until Isringhausen returns.

4/28/2005

Travis Smith, stl

Veteran Al Leiter pitched just enough in Wednesday's meeting with the Colorado Rockies before the game was rained/snowed out that he will not be available for Thursday's doubleheader. As a result, the Marlins will turn to Smith to make a start in the second game against Byung-Hyun Kim. The righthander has made just one appearances with the Marlins since being recalled last week, allowing one hit and striking out a batter in one shutout inning.

In 16 appearances with the Atlanta Braves last season, including four starts, Smith went 2-3 with a 6.20 ERA. After Thursday's spot start, he will return to a relief role. A.J. Burnett is scheduled to start the first game for the Marlins.

Rick Ankiel, stl

Ankiel suffered back problems near the end of spring training, but on Thursday, he was activated by the St. Louis Cardinals' Double-A Springfield affiliate to begin his professional career as an outfielder. The lefthanded Ankiel decided to abandon pitching in March, after years of control and health problems.

At age 25, Ankiel may be a bit of a long shot to develop into a major league hitter, but it will be an interesting experiment to watch. During his days as a major league pitcher, he batted .207 (18-for-87) with a double, triple and two homers. If he reaches the majors, he'll start above the Mendoza line.

4/27/2005

Cal Eldred, stl

Tests have revealed that the cause for Eldred's recent chest discomfort is myopericarditis, an infection of the lining around his heart. The Cardinals' veteran righthander, who has been sidelined for more than two weeks, does not know when he will be ready to return to action. He will remain on the 15-day disabled list.

Eldred has been told to rest and avoid lifting anything more than 10 pounds. Once he is cleared to resume baseball activities, it will take him awhile to get his arm strength back. He was 4-2 with a 3.76 ERA in 52 relief appearances last year and has allowed just one hit in two shutout innings this season.

Jason Isringhausen, stl

Isringhausen was pulled from Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers after straining his right abdominal muscle while pitching in the ninth inning. Although the injury is not considered serious, the Cardinals have placed the closer on the 15-day disabled list and filled his roster spot with lefthander Carmen Cali. In 10 appearances this season, Isringhausen has notched seven saves and posted a 1.08 ERA.

According to manager Tony La Russa, Isringhausen should be ready to be activated in a couple of weeks, when eligible. Julian Tavarez is the top option for save situations in Izzy's absence, but Randy Flores and Ray King could figure into the mix as well.

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter matched a career-high by striking out 12 batters in Wednesday's victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cardinals' righthander, who had 14 strikeouts in his first four starts of the season combined, allowed three runs on eight hits and did not give up a walk in 7.2 innings of work.

Carpenter notched a shutout in his last start, so after a couple of rough outings, it appears he is back on track. With Wednesday's win, he improved to 4-1 on the season and lowered his ERA to 4.01. Make sure he is in your lineup.

Carmen Cali, stl

Cali has been recalled from Triple-A Memphis by the St. Louis Cardinals, filling the roster spot of closer Jason Isringhausen, who is expected to miss the next two weeks with a strained abdominal muscle. In seven relief appearances with the minor league club, the lefthander is 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA.

Cali was with the Cardinals earlier this season, but made just one appearance in his short stint, allowing one hit and striking out a batter in one scoreless inning. He has no fantasy value at this point.

4/25/2005

Jason Isringhausen, stl

Isringhausen tossed 1.1 perfect innings in Sunday's victory over the Houston Astros, notching his seventh save in as many chances this season. The Cardinals' closer, who is fully recovered from offseason hip surgery, has allowed four hits and five walks over eight innings in his nine relief appearances, striking out six.

Izzy had a couple rocky outings early in the campaign, but appears to have settled in nicely. Last season, he went 4-2 with a 2.87 ERA and 47 saves in 74 appearances.

4/24/2005

Mark Mulder, stl

Mulder seems to be his old self again. Following eight innings of two-hit ball against the Pirates last Tuesday, he went the full 10 innings to win a 1-0 decision over the Houston Astros Saturday, allowing four hits while striking out five and walking none.

Mulder lowered his ERA to 3.10 with his marathon effort.

4/22/2005

Travis Smith, stl

Smith has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque by the Florida Marlins, filling the roster spot of veteran Antonio Alfonseca, who is expected to miss at least two months with a stress fracture in his pitching elbow. In 16 appearances with the Atlanta Braves last season, including three starts, Smith went 2-3 with a 6.20 ERA.

Smith had been serving as a starter with the minor league club this season, but he will fill a long-relief role with the Marlins.

John Webb, stl

Barely more than 24 hours after Webb was recalled to start Wednesday night's game against Texas, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays returned the 25-year-old righthander to Triple-A Durham. He allowed six hits, four walks and eight earned runs in four innings against Texas, and he took the loss, his first major league decision in five big league appearances.

Webb returns to Durham, where he was 1-0 over nine scoreless innings and two starts.

4/21/2005

Scott Spiezio, stl

The Seattle Mariners placed Spiezio on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a strained left oblique muscle. He felt a pull in his left side when he doubled in the ninth inning of Seattle's loss to the Angels on Monday.

Spiezio was hurt on his only hit of the 2005 season. That seems like a bad omen. While Spiezio is recovering, top outfield prospect Shin-Soo Choo will take his place on the Mariners' roster.

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter notched his first shutout since September 4, 2001, pitching a gem against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday. The Cardinals' righthander went the distance, scattering seven hits over nine scoreless innings. He finished the victory with six strikeouts and just one walk.

With Thursday's performance, Carpenter improved to 3-1 on the season and lowered his ERA from 6.35 to 4.15. He now has 14 complete games in his major league career.

Juan Encarnacion, stl

Going 3-for-5 with a homer in Wednesday's victory over the New York Mets, Encarnacion extended his current hitting streak to five games. Over that span, the Marlins' outfielder is 9-for-21 with five doubles, one home run, nine RBI and six runs scored.

Encarnacion is showing why the Florida Marlins gave him the right-field job over veteran Jeff Conine to start the season. In 15 contests, he is batting .321 with three homers -- including two grand slams -- and 17 RBI. He has yet to steal a base.

4/20/2005

Jim Edmonds, stl

Edmonds got off to a slow start this season, notching just three hits in his first 15 at-bats. But over his last six games, the Cardinals' outfielder is 6-for-18 with a double, six walks, four home runs and five RBI, including homers in each of his last two contests.

Edmonds has batted around .300 and averaged 36 home runs over the past five seasons, so his early season troubles should not be a concern. Keep him in your lineup.

Scott Spiezio, stl

Spiezio felt something pull in his left side during his ninth-inning at-bat Monday, and the Mariners' utilityman seems destined for a trip to the disabled list. He was bandaged tightly around the midsection on Tuesday, with a heating pad attached, as Spiezio awaited word from team doctors following a medical examination.

Spiezio said the injury felt similar to the one that sidelined him last April, when he strained an oblique muscle. As for this year's edition, look for a report from Seattle team doctors in the next 24 hours.

John Webb, stl

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have placed righthander Mark Hendrickson on the disabled list with a shoulder ailment and have recalled Webb to take his place in the rotation. The 25-year-old righthander will start against Texas on Wednesday night.

Webb has made two starts at Triple-A Durham, working nine scoreless innings and limiting International League hitters to a .216 average. He is 1-0 on the season.

4/19/2005

Mark Mulder, stl

Winless with an 8.28 ERA in his previous nine starts dating back to last season, Mulder got back on track in Monday's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cardinals' lefthander, who was acquired in an offseason trade for pitchers Danny Haren and Kiko Calero and minor league catcher Daric Barton, tossed eight sharp innings, allowing just two hits and one unearned run. He struck out two and walked three.

Mulder has notched 15 or more wins each of the last four seasons and has a 3.94 ERA for his career. Since 2001, only Curt Schilling has won more games in the majors than Mulder.

Carmen Cali, stl

Cali has been optioned to Triple-A Memphis by the St. Louis Cardinals, opening a spot on the 25-man roster for righthander Matt Morris, who is scheduled to take the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday. Cali made just one appearance in his short stint with the Cardinals, allowing one hit and striking out a batter in one scoreless inning.

Cali, a lefthander, just missed out on winning a spot on the Cards' Opening Day roster after allowing three earned runs in 8.1 innings in spring training. He made his major league debut last season and pitched in 10 games with St. Louis, posting an 8.59 ERA.

4/18/2005

Jeff Weaver, stl

Weaver bounced back from a rough outing against the Giants earlier in the week to notch the fourth shutout of his major league career in Sunday's victory over San Diego. The Dodgers' righthander silenced the Padres' bats, scattering five hits over nine scoreless innings, while striking out seven and walking just one. With the performance, Weaver improved to 2-0 on the season and lowered his ERA to 3.60.

Weaver, who's never been the most consistent pitcher, tossed eight shutout innings in his season debut, but was shelled for eight runs against San Francisco on Tuesday. Expect a bad outing occasionally, but overall, Weaver should be a solid fantasy option this season, especially playing in pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium.

4/15/2005

Cal Eldred, stl

Eldred has spent the majority of this week in the hospital, undergoing tests to determine why he has been unable to shake a nagging upper respiratory infection. With a return not expected in the immediate future, the St. Louis Cardinals have decided to place the veteran righthander on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 11. His spot in the bullpen will be filled by Jimmy Journell.

More should be revealed about Eldred's status when results of the tests are known. He's eligible to be activated on April 26.

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter signed a two-year extension on Friday to pitch for the Cardinals. Financial terms were not disclosed, however it is known that a club option for 2008 has been included in the deal. Carpenter is 1-1 with a 7.84 ERA in two starts this season.

Carpenter was an intergral part of the Cards' run to the World Series in 2004, going 15-5 with a 3.46 ERA. A nerve injury suffered in September, however, forced him to miss the entire postseason.

4/13/2005

Jeff Weaver, stl

After scattering five hits over eight shutout innings in a win over San Francisco last week, Weaver was touched up in a rematch with the Giants on Tuesday, and failed to get out of the fourth inning. The Dodgers' righthander gave up eight earned runs on 11 hits and struck out just one batter. He saw his season ERA balloon to 6.55.

Despite the rough outing, the Dodgers still have high hopes for Weaver in 2005. Expect him to get back on track over his next couple of starts. Weaver got off to a slow start in his first season with the Dodgers last year, but turned things around in July and August. Overall, he went 13-13 with a 4.01 ERA in 34 starts.

Mark Mulder, stl

Mulder's late-season struggles with the Oakland A's in 2004 have continued with his new club, the St. Louis Cardinals, to begin the 2005 campaign. The lefthander, who was acquired in an offseason trade for pitchers Danny Haren and Kiko Calero and minor league catcher Daric Barton, went 0-4 with a 7.27 ERA over his last seven starts last season. In two starts this year, he is 0-1 with an 8.18 ERA.

Mulder surrendered six runs on 11 hits over five innings in Wednesday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds. He struck out three and walked one. Mulder has notched 15 or more wins each of the last four seasons, so expect him to get back on track very soon, especially with the Cardinals' potent offense as support.

4/12/2005

Cal Eldred, stl

Eldred was sent to the hospital by Cardinals trainers on Tuesday with an upper respitory problem. Eldred has been battling a virus that triggered the problems since the season began. His status is expected to be updated on Wednesday.

Eldred missed some time last week, but was able to pitch in two games over the weekend. For now, consider him as day-to-day.

Bill Pulsipher, stl

Pulsipher has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the St. Louis Cardinals, due to a strained right hamstring. The move is retroactive to April 11, meaning he will be eligible to return before the end of the month. The veteran reliever, who originally suffered the injury in spring training, will be replaced in the bullpen by lefthander Carmen Cali.

Despite not pitching in the major leagues since 2001, Pulsipher impressed quite a few people in spring training, allowing just eight hits in 10.1 scoreless innings. He struck out eight batters, walked three and notched one save over that span. In three regular-season appearances, he's given up one run on two hits in 1.2 innings of work.

4/11/2005

Bill Pulsipher, stl

Pulsipher was forced to leave Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies after aggravating his strained hamstring while pitching late in the game. The veteran reliever, who originally suffered the injury in spring training, will be re-evaluated on Monday, but there is a strong possibility that he will land on the 15-day disabled list, according to Cardinals manager Tony La Russa.

Despite not pitching in the major leagues since 2001, Pulsipher impressed quite a few people in spring training, allowing just eight hits in 10.1 scoreless innings. He struck out eight batters, walked three and notched one save over that span. In three regular-season appearances, he's given up one run on two hits in 1.2 innings of work.

Chris Carpenter, stl

Carpenter was unable to make it out of the fourth inning in Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. The Cardinals' righthander was lit up for eight runs on 10 hits and two walks in 3.1 innings of work. He struck out two.

Carpenter has recovered from the nerve damage in his right biceps that forced him to miss the 2004 postseason. Through two starts, he is 1-1 with a 7.84 ERA.

Juan Encarnacion, stl

Encarnacion is showing why the Florida Marlins gave him the right-field job over veteran Jeff Conine to start the season. He has at least one hit in each of his six games this season, including two grand slams -- one coming on Opening Day and the other in Sunday's victory over the Washington Nationals. He now has three grand slams in his major league career.

For the season, Encarnacion is batting .304 with a double, two home runs and eight RBI. As long as he continues to produce, he'll be in the lineup on a daily basis. In addition to his power potential, Encarnacion has enough speed to notch double-digit stolen bases.

4/8/2005

Preston Wilson, stl

The Colorado Rockies have a day game on Saturday, following Friday night's matchup with the San Francisco Giants. As a result, Wilson, who is coming off a pair of surgeries on his left knee, might get Saturday afternoon off as a precautionary measure. The club wants to have Wilson available for the long haul, rather than risking aggravation of the knee early in the 2005 campaign.

Cory Sullivan likely will get the starting nod in Wilson's absence. Wilson is 2-for-8 with a home run and three RBI through two games this season. Limited to just 58 contests last year, he batted .248 with six homers, 29 RBI and two stolen bases.

Jeff Weaver, stl

Weaver didn't overpower the Giants' hitters, but he definitely held them in check in Thursday's 6-0 win in San Francisco. Making his first start of the regular season, the Dodgers' righthander scattered just five hits over eight shutout innings, striking out two and walking one. In addition to his domination on the mound, Weaver added an RBI single at the plate.

Weaver got off to a slow start in his first season with the Dodgers last year, but turned things around in July and August. Overall, he went 13-13 with a 4.01 ERA in 34 starts. According to manager Jim Tracy, Weaver is pitching at a higher level than he did in 2004.

4/6/2005

Chris Carpenter, stl

In Tuesday's season-opening victory over the Houston Astros, Carpenter had no problems with the nerve damage in his right biceps that forced him to miss the 2004 postseason. The Cardinals' ace went seven strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits, striking out two batters and walking none.

With the help of a potent offense, Carpenter should be able to post some solid numbers for the Cards this season, as long as he stays healthy. In 28 starts last year, he was 15-5 with a 3.46 ERA, finishing with 152 strikeouts and just 38 walks in 182 innings of work.

Rick Ankiel, stl

Out of minor league options, Ankiel has been placed on unconditional release waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals. If Ankiel is not picked up by another team, the Cardinals have expressed interest in bringing him back into the organization and allowing him to work on learning the outfield positions in the minors. He recently switched from a pitcher after struggling with control problems over the first several years of his pro career.

Filling Ankiel's spot on the 25-man roster will be infielder Abraham Nunez, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday. In eight exhibition games this spring, Ankiel was just 2-for-12 with a double and a run scored.

Rick Ankiel, stl

Ankiel, who was placed on unconditional release waivers earlier this week, has cleared waivers and re-signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, agreeing to a minor league contract. He recently switched from pitcher to outfield after struggling with control problems over the first several years of his pro career. In eight exhibition games this spring, Ankiel was just 2-for-12 with a double and a run scored.

Ankiel obviously needs more work in the outfield before getting another shot at the major league level. He is expected to work out at extended spring training for a few more days before reporting to Double-A Springfield.

4/5/2005

Bill Pulsipher, stl

The St. Louis Cardinals have purchased Pulsipher's contract from Triple-A Memphis, filling the roster spot of righthanded starter Matt Morris. The veteran lefthander, who has not pitched in the major leagues since 2001, will work out of the bullpen for St. Louis.

Pulsipher impressed quite a few people in spring training, allowing just eight hits in 10.1 scoreless innings. He struck out eight batters, walked three and notched one save over that span.

Juan Encarnacion, stl

Jeff Conine was expected to begin the season in right field for the Florida Marlins, but the team has given the nod to Encarnacion instead. The younger Encarnacion was solid in 23 exhibition games this spring, batting .290 with three doubles, one home run, 12 RBI and a stolen base.

If Encarnacion struggles in the starting role, the Marlins likely won't be hesitant to turn back to Conine. Encarnacion split the 2004 campaign between the Marlins and Dodgers, batting .236 with 16 home runs, 62 RBI and five stolen bases in 135 games.

Braden Looper, stl

Looper was unable to secure the victory for starting pitcher Pedro Martinez and the New York Mets, blowing a save in the ninth inning of Monday's season opener against the Cincinnati Reds. The righthander failed to record an out, giving up three runs on three hits, including a two-run homer to Adam Dunn and a walk-off solo shot to Joe Randa.

Obviously, Looper has nowhere to go but up following Monday's outing. Last season, he was 2-5 with a 2.70 ERA and 29 saves in 71 relief appearances. With the Mets' bolstered lineup, he should get more save opportunities in 2005.

Aaron Miles, stl

Miles recorded a career-high five hits in six at-bats in Monday's season opener against the San Diego Padres. The Rockies' second baseman finished the contest with three doubles, two singles, one RBI and three runs scored.

Miles begins his second season as the Rockies' primary second baseman. In 134 games last year, he batted .293 with six home runs, 47 RBI and 12 stolen bases.