Baseball

Molina's sitting on just two homers after hitting 22 last year, but he's batting .333. Unfortunately, it's not leading too many RBI; most of his 21 came in April and he hasn't had a two-RBI game in four weeks.

Well, that's not good. Westbrook felt fine while playing catch, but this was the first time since landing on the disabled list that he tried to throw from a mound. The right-hander isn't sure what the next step is, but obviously he's not going to be back anytime soon.

He's now missed three straight games due to swelling around his right thumb where he needed three stitches for a small cut. The Cards are worried that cut could split open, so they're playing things cautiously. Freese could be back in there Friday after the off day Thursday. Matt Carpenter is at third again Wednesday, with Daniel Descalso covering second.

Dr. James Andrews recommended surgery and reportedly expressed amazement that Garcia pitched as well as he did earlier this season under the circumstances. The Cardinals' team doctor will perform the shoulder procedure. It's safe to say that Garcia will not contribute in a meaningful way for the rest of the 2013 season.

Lyons will take Jaime Garcia's place in the rotation and make the start Wednesday against the Padres. The 25-year-old southpaw owns a 4.47 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over eight starts this season in Triple-A and is only a band-aid until Jake Westbrook (elbow) is ready to return. He's unlikely to be fantasy relevant.

The severity of the injury isn't yet known, but the move clears a spot for Wednesday's starter, Tyler Lyons. Rookie right-hander Carlos Martinez could see an increased role during Salas' absence.

No word yet on the exact nature of the procedure, but surgery was always considered a strong possibility. Feel free to drop Garcia in redraft leagues if you haven't already. Tyler Lyons will fill Garcia's spot in the rotation for the time being, but the Cardinals are hoping to have Jake Westbrook (elbow) back from the disabled list soon. Chris Carpenter could be a possibility for the rotation down the road.