Adams getting valuable at-bats in place of Craig

ST. LOUIS -- While the Cardinals still hope to have Allen Craig back before the end of the season, the opportunity to get Matt Adams regular at-bats for the time being could pay dividends even if he does soon lose the playing time to Craig.

Though he remained the team's biggest bat off the bench, Adams had seen his production dip considerably in the second half. At the time of Craig's foot injury, Adams, in 29 games, was hitting just .176 with two homers and 10 RBIs since the All-Star break.

Adams has started all but one of the eight games since and, including the two home runs he hit after subbing in for Craig on Sept. 4, has gone 9-for-29 with four homers since the Cardinals lost their starting first baseman. Even if he were to end up back on the bench in the postseason, Adams at least feels that he's better fit to succeed.

"Big time," Adams said, when asked how much the regular playing time has helped. "I'm getting my rhythm and timing back to where it was in the early part of the year. I have to keep showing up to the park and doing my work day in and day out, and I'll be good."