David Eckstein will be held out of the Cardinals’ starting lineup against the Mets on Friday due to some soreness in his side. Manager Tony La Russa said the injury may be close to or related to a strained left oblique injury that sidelined the shortstop in August and September and hindered him throughout the postseason.
It’s unclear how long the World Series MVP will be sidelined. His double-play colleague, Adam Kennedy, has been held out of the first three games due to soreness in his right side, and is not expected to play until early next week.
La Russa said that due to Eckstein’s previous oblique injury, he is more concerned about Eckstein’s situation than Kennedy’s.
Aaron Miles started in Eckstein’s place at shortstop on Friday, with Edgar Gonzalez getting the call at second base. With both starting middle infielders on the shelf, the Cardinals are short for the time being. Miles, Gonzalez, Jolbert Cabrera and Brendan Ryan are the only healthy, active natural middle infielders in camp.
Scott Spiezio provides a potential option at second base if needed. La Russa said that Travis Hanson, who has played second in the Minors, will not be used at that position. Hanson is primarily a third baseman.