ST. LOUIS -- As the Cardinals open a series against the rival Cubs on Monday, they expect to be without closer Seunghwan Oh, who has been bothered by soreness in his groin since his outing on Friday.
Oh was not available in either of the weekend games against Milwaukee, though that information was not disclosed until Monday. He didn't sound much more optimistic about his chances of pitching in the first of three games against Chicago, either.
"It's getting better day by day, and I should be ready to go pretty soon," said Oh through translator Eugene Koo. "It might be difficult for tonight. [On Tuesday] I should be ready to go."
If the Cardinals have to turn elsewhere in a save situation on Monday, they would likely turn to Kevin Siegrist or Zach Duke. Both have saved games in place of Oh this season.
Oh, who has appeared in 70 games as a rookie, has converted 17 of 19 save opportunities since taking the closer's role from Trevor Rosenthal midway through the season.