Adams misses second start with tight calf

ST LOUIS -- Matt Adams was held out of the St. Louis lineup for a second straight day Thursday with tightness in his left calf.

Adams was out of the lineup Wednesday for what Cardinals manager Mike Matheny described as being cautious. He gave the first baseman another night of rest as the Cardinals started a four-game series with the Giants at Busch Stadium.

"We took a closer look at him," Matheny said. "We're confident that they didn't see anything major there, but enough so that we've got to be cautious."

Matheny said the team would keep a close eye on Adams and determine if he was available to pinch-hit in the series opener. Adams pinch-hit and struck out in the ninth inning Wednesday.

The first baseman has appeared in 52 of 53 games for the Cardinals this season, hitting .325 with 21 multihit games. His batting average ranks him fifth in the National League.

Allen Craig was at first for the second consecutive night with Adams out of the lineup, and Peter Bourjos and Jon Jay both got starts in the outfield.

Matheny said the injury currently isn't serious enough to warrant Adams being placed on the 15-day disabled list.