Holliday returns to lineup from back tightness

ST. LOUIS -- Matt Holliday returned to the Cardinals' lineup Wednesday after back tightness kept him out the previous three days. Holliday was a late scratch Sunday and Monday with the issue, which has recurred throughout his career.

"[We] just put him through the normal tests, and what's been grabbing him has freed up a little bit," manager Mike Matheny said. "He felt pretty good today. I know he wants to be in there and help us make a push here, so I'm happy to have him back in the lineup."

The left fielder is a welcome boost. He was batting .500 (13-for-26) with seven RBIs and a home run in his last six games. Matheny said the team will keep an eye on his back moving forward.

"We want to make sure that it's moving in the right direction," Matheny said. "Having an off-day [Thursday] will give it another chance to rest. It's time we got to push and he feels good enough to go."