Adams out of lineup with tightness in calf

ST. LOUIS -- Tightness in his left calf kept Matt Adams out of the starting lineup on Wednesday, though he insisted he feels good enough to be available off the bench if needed.

Adams described first feeling the tightness in the final innings of Tuesday's 6-0 win. Postgame treatment and exercises alleviated the discomfort before he left the ballpark, but he woke up on Wednesday again feeling some pull. He alerted the Cardinals to the issue, and manager Mike Matheny opted not to push Adams in the series finale.

"It's something we feel we can get a little ahead of here if we're just a little cautious," Matheny said. "He still may be available late, but going out there from the start is something we're going to stay away from today."

Adams did not hit during batting practice on Wednesday but was on the field shagging fly balls with teammates.

"I feel like I could play today," Adams said. "It's just precautionary. I'm taking it easy, but if they need me to pinch-hit, I'll be ready."

Adams entered the day pacing the National League with 21 multihit games. His .326 batting average ranked fifth in the league.

Taking Adams' place at first base on Wednesday was Allen Craig. That opened starting opportunities for both Peter Bourjos and Jon Jay in the outfield.