Cubs shortstop Addison Russell has left Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Cardinals due to tightness in his left hamstring.
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It turns out Molina’s ailing left thumb would jeopardize his Game 4 status after all.
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny put Molina in the initial lineup but took him down after the thumb did not respond as expected to overnight treatment. Tony Cruz got the start at catcher. The seven-time All-Star returned to the Cardinals’ lineup for Game 1 of the NLDS, but was unable to continue after whiffing at a Jake Arrieta slider in the fourth inning of Game 3.
“So went in with the idea that he was penciled in and it was wait and see this morning”, Matheny said.
Matheny said Molina still could be used as a defensive replacement. “With the splint he has, catching-wise, he’s able to come in there”.
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Entering Monday’s game in Chicago, the five-game series between the Cubs and Cardinals was tied at one game apiece. “This is an injury that really relies on rest, and after the season, everything will be kind of addressed to the severity”, Matheny said. “… At this point doctors are comfortable he can tolerate it, it’s just really hard for him to swing the bat”. He also didn’t rule out Molina for a potential Game 5. He batted. 270 with four home runs, 61 RBIs and a. 660 OPS during the regular season. When Cruz started, they had a 3.88 ERA and a. 500 record (15-15).
