Craig progressing, but return date still unknown

ST. LOUIS -- A re-evaluation of Allen Craig's sprained left foot on Thursday showed progress with the healing process, but it did not provide the Cardinals with any added clarity as to when they might get their first baseman back.

After shedding a walking boot several days ago, Craig received the recommendation to resume wearing it again. The doctor's suggestion, general manager John Mozeliak said, was out of precaution and not reason for additional concern.

"They just feel like he is still at a volatile state in the sense that as he's improving, they don't want him to have a setback by being in a tennis shoe or a running shoe," Mozeliak said. "So for the next week or so, he'll be in this soft boot."

The time frame for Craig's return remains fuzzy, though Mozeliak would not rule out the possibility of seeing Craig on the field before the end of the regular season. Obviously, the deeper the Cardinals play into October, the greater the chance that Craig will work his way back into the lineup. It has now been eight days since Craig sprained his foot making an awkward turn at first base.

"Everything is positive," Mozeliak said. "Obviously, when this injury occurred, we didn't know when we'd expect him back. We still don't know exactly. But we're still optimistic that he'll play this year. … He's feeling better. From a mental standpoint, he's in the right place. As he goes through this recovery, we'll see. We're just not in a place yet where we can truly push it. "