Cards Notes: Renteria Ailing
By Matthew Leach / MLB.com
August 26, 2003
ST. LOUIS -- This, the Cardinals most assuredly did not need.
With Albert Pujols struggling, and three of the nastiest starting pitchers in the National League coming to town, the Redbirds will have to do without shortstop Edgar Renteria for the time being. Renteria was out of the starting lineup on Tuesday night with what was alternately called a back sprain or back spasms.
Manager Tony La Russa declined to say whether Renteria would be available to pinch-hit, or how long the All-Star and Gold Glover would be out.
"Hopefully we'll take one game at a time and see whether he's available later in the day," La Russa said before Tuesday's game. "He's got a sprained back. He's not starting today. I don't think it's smart to try to say something you don't know. Hope he's back in there tomorrow."
Trainer Barry Weinberg expressed optimism that Renteria might be able to play Wednesday.
"I'm optimistic he'll be ready tomorrow if he makes as much improvement tomorrow as he made over the last two days," Weinberg said Tuesday.
Renteria apparently first suffered the injury in the shower after Sunday's game.
"It's a little bit tight, but I should be all right," Renteria said.
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