Ellis lands on DL with left oblique strain

ST. LOUIS -- A day after Cardinals manager Mike Matheny revealed that Mark Ellis was unavailable for the team's series opener against the Reds because of soreness, the veteran infielder was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain.

Specifics on the injury were slim, as Ellis, through a team spokesperson, declined to answer questions and Matheny only knew that the issue arose when Ellis was out on the field Monday afternoon. The spokesperson merely offered, "It is what it is," when asked for additional detail on the moment of injury and severity.

Matheny noted that the club is "pretty optimistic" that Ellis will be able to return after a minimum stay on the DL. Ellis, 37, started for St. Louis at second base on Thursday but hadn't played since, which allows the Cardinals to backdate the DL stint to Friday, making him eligible to return on Aug. 30.

Since July 6, Ellis had made just four starts. In 65 games, he has hit .192 with a .267 on-base percentage and a .228 slugging mark.