Adams forced to sit with bout of food poisoning

OAKLAND -- A day after Matt Adams highlighted another Interleague start with his first career multihomer game, manager Mike Matheny was prepared to present Adams with a new challenge. A bout with food poisoning, however, foiled that plan.

For the first time this season, Matheny wrote Adams into a lineup that would be opposed by a left-handed starter. But about two hours before first pitch, Matheny announced that the first baseman was still too sick to start. Adams spent his night and morning recovering from what he believes was bad salmon that he ate after the game on Saturday.

"I thought we were going to be able to give him a little time to feel better," Matheny said. "He just can't kick it today."

Matheny replaced Adams at first base with Ty Wigginton, who batted seventh. The start is the first for Wigginton since June 1. He entered the game hitless in his previous 10 at-bats, all of which came as a pinch-hitter, and went 0-for-3 in the start.

Adams did make a ninth-inning pinch-hit appearance in the game, though he said afterward that he is "still not up to par." He spent the day taking in fluids, eating fruit and taking medication trying to expedite his recovery.

The Cardinals are hopeful that Adams will be recovered enough to return to the lineup Tuesday. The club's string of road games against the American League has afforded Adams the chance to get the regular at-bats that he has lacked throughout the season. Had he been healthy enough to start on Sunday, Adams would have been in the lineup for the fourth time in five games.

"My rhythm feels good," Adams said. "It's nice to be able to get everyday at-bats, get four or five at-bats a game. It's going to help in the long run."