Rehabbing Holliday takes batting practice

ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals held a short afternoon workout at Busch Stadium on Thursday, during which left fielder Matt Holliday took batting practice for the first time since suffering a right hamstring injury last Thursday.

Holliday stayed in St. Louis over the All-Star break to receive treatment, and Thursday's session was another step forward in his rehab. He has tested the hamstring with some light running, but would have to prove to the Cardinals he can run at full speed before manager Mike Matheny will insert him into the lineup.

Asked about the prospect of playing in Friday's second-half opener at home against the Padres, Holliday answered: "We'll see."

Regardless, Holliday's improvement thus far would suggest he will be able to avoid the disabled list. The Cardinals were hopeful that three days off in Chicago, coupled with the four-day All-Star break, would provide enough downtime for Holliday to heal.

Holliday is batting .268 with 13 homers and 47 RBIs.