Holliday scratched late from Cards' lineup

MILWAUKEE -- Matt Holliday was a late scratch from the Cardinals' lineup on Sunday due to back spasms. Initially slated to bat third and start in left field, Holliday was replaced by Shane Robinson after his back did not loosen up enough while taking pregame swings.

"We're just not going to take a chance," manager Mike Matheny said. "It's one of those days where we're just not going to push him."

Matheny hoped to have Holliday available off the bench, but was ultimately hesitant because Holliday "didn't have a lot of relief as the game went on." Holliday said he received treatment throughout the game but that he did not take any additional swings. His status for Monday's game was unclear.

Holliday had started all 55 of the team's games since coming off the disabled list on July 27. He hit .343 with a .429 on-base percentage and drove in 44 runs during that stretch. He's been especially locked in on this road trip, going 13-for-26 in these six road games. His 41 RBIs since the start of August ranks second in the National League behind only Hunter Pence, and his season batting average (now .298) is at its highest point of the season.