Adams improving, but held out of lineup

JUPITER, Fla. -- Matt Adams held himself out of the Cardinals' on-field drills for the second straight day on Monday because of soreness and swelling in his left knee. But, despite the inactivity, Adams reported improvement with his condition.

"It feels much better today," Adams said. "The swelling has gone down. I think if I stick with the stuff in the training room, I'll be good."

Uncertain as to what triggered the soreness Adams felt when he woke up on Sunday, the first baseman projected that he'll be cleared to return to the field within the next few days. He is listed as part of the Cardinals' traveling party for Tuesday's game in Fort Myers, Fla., though that does not necessarily mean he'll play against the Red Sox.

"We'll just wait and see how he feels," manager Mike Matheny said. "He felt significant improvement today and hopefully he continues to improve. We'll see how he's feeling and follow what the trainers need him to do."

With Adams and Allen Craig (right shoulder soreness) both unable to play first base on Monday, Ty Wigginton earned his second straight start at the position.