ST. LOUIS -- After being scratched prior to Saturday's game against the Braves, Cardinals third baseman Jedd Gyorko sat out once again for the series finale on Sunday. Gyorko is dealing with irritation in his right knee, but the Cardinals are hopeful that he will be able to return for Tuesday's series opener against the Red Sox after the team's off-day on Monday.
"He's still sore. Just, I think, a combination of things over time," manager Mike Matheny said. "Hopefully get him a little rest and treatment and he'll be ready to go when we get to Boston."
Gyorko, who was available off the bench on both Saturday and Sunday, is averaging .270 this season, with 15 home runs.
Although Gyorko has been dealing with this injury for some time, he is optimistic that he will be able to start for the first time at Fenway Park when the team begins a two-game series on Tuesday.
"It's been [around] a little while," Gyorko said. "Just needed a couple days, get some treatment and hopefully be good to go Tuesday."
Rehab progress
While the Cardinals' National League Central chase heats up, progress is also being made in other areas for the team. Right-hander Alex Reyes, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed during Spring Training, threw for the first time from 90 feet on Sunday.
"We got back to 90 feet today," Reyes said. "It will be a few weeks at 90, and then I'll move back from there. My body feels great, I feel healthy. My elbow feels great, and it's just getting back and gaining strength. ... We're kind of building toward that."
Reyes, ranked by MLBPipeline.com as the Cardinals' No. 1 prospect and 17th overall, appeared in 12 games (five starts) for the Cardinals in 2016. He posted a 1.57 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 46 innings.
The progress he has made in the lengthy rehabilitation process (12 to 18 months) is encouraging for Reyes, who has spent the season working to get back while remaining around the team.
"Being able to pick up a baseball and throw again after reconstructive surgery, it's a pretty big deal," he said. "I'm just excited to get back in the throwing process and happy to be out there."
Rally Cat "Paw"-rty
The Cardinals have added another Theme Ticket night to their calendar in celebration of the feline that made quite an impact when it dashed across the field prior to Yadier Molina's grand slam on Aug. 9 at Busch Stadium.

The feline will be celebrated during the Sept. 10 game vs. the Pirates. Those who buy a Rally Cat Appreciation theme ticket will receive a Rally Cat-themed T-shirt. A portion of each ticket purchase will be donated to Cardinals Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation and the St. Louis Feral Cat Outreach.