By Chris Brown – STL Baseball Today
Although general manager John Mozeliak described it as “the best news we could have helped for,” the report on Yadier Molina was not a good one, as the All-Star catcher will be sidelined indefinitely due to a “slight ligament tear” in his left thumb.
Mozeliak said he’s still optimistic that the veteran backstop will be ready to return prior to the end of the regular season, but more will be known when he’s reevaluated in 5-7 days.
“We’ll make a decision there to see if we can push forward,” the Cards GM said.
Molina sustained the injury when applying a tag on the Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo, who was trying to score from third base on a flyout to right field, during Sunday’s game in Chicago.
Although the 33-year-old has had a down offensive season – hitting just .270/.310/.350 with four home runs – Molina has still shown the ability to limit the running game, preventing 41 percent of stolen base attempts against him. The seven-time Gold Glove Award winner has saved 5.7 and 7.4 runs above average in his pitch-framing as well, according to two different evaluations.
With roughly two weeks remaining until the playoffs, the Cardinals will go with the light-hitting Tony Cruz at catcher in place of Molina. The Cardinals GM expressed his confidence in the 29-year-old, who has served as Molina’s backup for the last few years.
“It’s always tough to fill someone’s shoes when you’re as talented as Yadi is. But Cruz has had opportunities in the past. Last year he ended up being on the postseason roster because of what he showed. I think he’s going to take advantage of this.”
Additionally, the club purchased the contract of catcher Travis Tartamella from AAA Memphis to provide depth at the position behind Cruz and journeyman Ed Easley. Tartamella hit just .203 in 40 games in the minors this season, but is most known for his glove.
Travis Tartamella (via Springfield Cardinals on Twitter)
“From a defensive standpoint, Tartamella a very solid defensive catcher,” Mozeliak said. “If you look at the options we have from a pinch hitting standpoint, I think the critical part is making sure we have a defensive backup.”
To clear room for Tartamella on the 40-man roster, the Cardinals designated first baseman Xavier Scruggs for assignment. Scruggs, who will turn 28 on Wednesday, has seen minimal action at the big-league level over the past few years, but has posted solid power numbers in the minors.
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Feature image used under Creative Commons by Barbara Moore. No changes made. Image license.
