Matt Holliday Nearing Return

If the Cardinals are to cap off what has been a remarkable month of September by winning the NL Wild Card race, it might be helpful to have all-star left fielder Matt Holliday on the field for the final games of the regular season. Let me quickly point out that utility man Allen Craig has done an exceptional job filling in for the injured Holliday, but Matt is clearly the guy you want in the lineup with the season on the line.

When Holliday originally injured his right middle finger while swinging in the on-deck circle in Pittsburgh last Tuesday, the team feared he could miss the remainder of the regular season. However, there has been a reduction of the inflammation and swelling in the tendon of the finger since September 13^th. Holliday was recently cleared by team physicians to hit off a tee, which is a significant step considering swinging and making contact is the most difficult aspect of this particular injury.

While Holliday’s status is still very much in question moving forward, the general feeling surrounding the situation is optimism. There’s even a chance the slugger could return to action this weekend when St. Louis takes on the Chicago Cubs.

Here’s what John Mozeliak had to say:

"I would say over the last 48 hours we are a little more optimistic, but still not to the point where we know when he is going to be in a game. I think the easiest way to think about him right now is it is sort of a day-to-day progression. So he’s been cleared to swing a bat off a tee, and then tomorrow hopefully he can do a little more, and so on. So I think as far as having him available in the next couple of days, I think that is unlikely, but we’re hopeful for the weekend."

For now, all we can do is wait. So far, Holliday’s bat has not been missed for the most part, but I’m sure he wants to get back out there more than anyone to help his team earn the final National League playoff spot. Add this to the long list of injuries that have plagued Holliday this season and throughout his career, but in 120 games in 2011, he has still managed to hit .295/.388/.528 with 22 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 82 runs scored.