Wong leaves game in fifth after shoulder injury flares up

KANSAS CITY -- Kolten Wong's sore left shoulder flared up Thursday and the Cardinals second baseman left the game against the Royals in the bottom of the fifth inning. Daniel Descalso took his place.

Wong was 0-for-3. He hit a grand slam off James Shields on Tuesday, but jammed his shoulder later in that game.

"There's no tear or anything structurally bad, but I bruised it pretty good," Wong said. "It's tough because I want to be in there."

Wong said there's pain when he tries to complete his swing or make a quick motion to take off running.

"It's just inflammation," Wong said. "Hopefully, I'm not out too long. That last at-bat, I knew I had re-aggravated it."