ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cardinals star Matt Holliday took batting practice before Game 3 of the NL playoffs, but was not in the lineup.
St. Louis manager Tony La Russa says Holliday was available to pinch hit Tuesday against Philadelphia. The best-of-five series is tied at one game each.
Holliday has made only one appearance in the playoffs because of an inflamed tendon on his right middle finger, striking out as a pinch hitter to end Game 1. La Russa said Holliday was in a lot of pain after the final swing, and the outfielder met with a specialist and underwent an MRI exam on Monday.
La Russa said Holliday has not tried throwing. The Cardinals had considered replacing Holliday the rest of this series.
Allen Craig started in left field, Holliday’s spot, and Lance Berkman batted cleanup.
