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Cards' Renteria Misses Cubs Series Opener

Associated Press
August 26, 2003

ST. LOUIS (AP)--Cardinals shortstop Edgar Renteria missed the opener of the Chicago Cubs' series Tuesday night with a sprained back.

But Renteria, batting .332 with 12 homers and 78 RBIs, doesn't expect to be out for long. Trainer Barry Weinberg was hopeful Renteria could play on Wednesday.

``It's a little bit tight,'' Renteria said. ``But I should be all right.''

St. Louis manager Tony La Russa believed Renteria was injured toward the end of Sunday's victory over the Phillies, perhaps turning a double play. But Weinberg said Renteria felt fine before the back stiffened on him when he was bending over to pick up a bar of soap.

``We're optimistic he'll be ready tomorrow if he makes as much improvement tomorrow as he made over the last two days,'' Weinberg said. ``I think it's going to be very short-term.''

La Russa said Renteria complained of soreness after showering, and took some treatment before leaving Busch Stadium. The Cardinals had the day off Monday.

``Hopefully we'll take it one game at a time and see how he feels,'' La Russa said. ``I don't think it's smart to say something that you don't know.

``I have no idea how he'll be tomorrow.''

Miguel Cairo played shortstop and batted seventh in the opener of a matchup between NL Central contenders. The Cardinals entered the night tied with the Astros for the division lead and the Cubs were a half-game back.

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