Molina: Good and bad news for Cardinals

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A thumb injury to St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina may not be as bad as you think, according to editor Steve Ungrey.


The news came Monday night, and it hit St. Louis Cardinals fans like a ton of bricks.

Catcher Yadier Molina, who suffered an injury to his left thumb in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Cubs, may miss the rest of the regular season, according to USA TODAY baseball columnist Bob Nightengale.

If this injury occurred three months ago, Cardinals fans might cry. Now, the rest of the regular season means two weeks remain.

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There is no guarantee the veteran catcher will return at that time, but Molina will be re-evaluated after seven days to see where his thumb injury stands.

If he can’t return at that point, the season has over two weeks to go. The Cardinals won on Monday, 2-1, over the Cincinnati Reds in the first game without Molina on the roster. Tony Cruz was the catcher, and he has demonstrated an ability to lead the team before. It’s not like a catcher from the low minors is being called upon to guide the pitchers.

It’s understandable why Cardinal fans would look at this injury and think the house of cards is about to topple. First Adam Wainwright, then Matt Adams, then Matt Holliday (twice)… where does it end? Don’t forget Molina was out for a bit earlier in the season.

The Cardinals are in the postseason for the 12th year in a row. Right now they’re trying to avoid a dreaded one-game playoff with either the Cubs or Pittsburgh Pirates. If the Cardinals can win out, they can rest for a few days while the Cubs and Pirates battle it out in a one-game playoff for the right to face St. Louis in a series where Busch Stadium provides home-field advantage.

Let’s see if Molina can come back in a week. If he shows improvement and the Cardinals are closer to clinching the division, then rest him and get him ready for the playoffs.