By Chris Brown / STL Baseball Today
The Cardinals’ opportunity to clinch their third consecutive NL Central crown was delayed on Tuesday, as heavy rain in the Pittsburgh area forced the postponement of game 2 of a crucial three-game series against the Pirates.
The two teams will now play a day/night doubleheader on Wednesday, with the Cardinals needing just one win over the Buccos to clinch the division title.
In a change from the original rotation order, Pirates ace Gerrit Cole (18-8, 2.60 ERA) will square off against Michael Wacha (17-6, 3.15 ERA) in the first game of the day at 12:35pm CT. Lefty Tyler Lyons (2-1, 3.96 ERA) will get the nod for the redbirds in the regularly scheduled nightcap at 6:05pm CT, opposite right-hander Charlie Morton (9-8, 4.54 ERA).
MOLINA OPTIMISTIC ABOUT PLAYING IN POSTSEASON
Just over one week after suffering a “slight ligament tear” in his left thumb, Yadier Molina joined the Cardinals in Pittsburgh on Tuesday and expressed optimism towards returning to game action during the postseason.
MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch reports that the seven-time Gold Glove Award winner stayed behind in St. Louis for an extra day to go through a series of tests on his thumb. While he didn’t pass all those tests, a doctor told him “there’s a high (chance) to pass them” after another week of rest.
“It’s still good news,” Molina told . “It’s still a chance to come back and play. The doctors said I just need one more week. We’ll wait for one more week and we’ll see where we are.”
The 33-year-old was injured in a September 20 game against the Cubs when first baseman Anthony Rizzo slid into home on a play at the plate.
Tony Cruz, who’s hit .240 (6-225) with two doubles and a triple in eight starts since Molina went down, will continue to fill in behind the dish.
TUESDAY’S TOP NEWS:
– Adam Wainwright activated from DL, set to make first relief appearance since 2006
– Stephen Piscotty released from the hospital, likely to play again during regular season
– Cardinals announce postseason ticket details for Championship Series
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