Holliday's bad back keeps him out of action

ST. LOUIS -- For a third straight game, Matt Holliday was held out Tuesday due to ongoing back spasms.

The left fielder was a late scratch the last two days and was out of the lineup again Tuesday versus Washington. Manager Mike Matheny said Holliday's back was still tight and that doctors recommended giving him at least one more day of rest.

The recurring issue is something Holliday has dealt with throughout his career. Its reemergence has been poor timing for the Cardinals, who could use Holliday's hot bat -- he was 13-for-26 with seven RBIs and a home run on the Cardinals' last road trip -- as they fight to fend off the Reds and Pirates in the National League Central race.

"I just think it tightens up every once in a while," Matheny said. "I think people with bad backs understand it just happens. It comes and goes. Hopefully, one more day, maybe tomorrow and the off-day. We'll see. [We] just have to follow along, see how it feels."