Bad Back Has Renteria On Sideline For Opener
By Joe Strauss and Dan O'Neill Post-Dispatch
August 26, 2003
Shortstop Edgar Renteria was scratched from Tuesday night's start and is questionable for the remainder of the series against the Chicago Cubs after experiencing back spasms shortly after Sunday afternoon's game vs. the Phillies. Renteria and Cardinals trainers indicated his condition had improved since Monday's day off but still classified Renteria's availability as day-to-day.
"It's a little tight, but I should be all right," Renteria said before Tuesday's game.
The All-Star shortstop's back began to spasm as he showered after Sunday's 3-0 win over Philadelphia. The pain was severe enough to drop him to his knees.
Center fielder Jim Edmonds notified manager Tony La Russa of the situation and the clubhouse was temporarily closed as teammates transported Renteria to the training room.
Miguel Cairo started in place of Renteria on Tuesday night. Neither he nor Renteria ever had managed a hit against Cubs starting pitcher Mark Prior. Renteria is a career .265 hitter with six home runs and 35 runs batted in against the Cardinals' chief rivals; he hurt them with two home runs and eight RBIs last season. A former Cub, Cairo carried a career .320 average (eight for 25) against the North Siders into Tuesday.
Renteria leads the Cardinals with 51 multi-hit games. Of his 78 RBIs, 32 have come with two outs. His nine game-winning RBIs are second on the team to Albert Pujols' 19.
On Tuesday night's first play, Cubs center fielder Kenny Lofton reached on a grounder when Cairo's throw pulled Tino Martinez off first base.
Trainer Barry Weinberg wouldn't rule out the possibility of Renteria playing tonight, "if he shows as much improvement (today) as he has the last two days."
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