Matheny gives Molina, Kozma night off in KC

KANSAS CITY -- Catcher Yadier Molina and shortstop Pete Kozma have been playing regularly and hard for the Cardinals, and manager Mike Matheny decided Tuesday was the right time to give both players a night off.

Tony Cruz was in the lineup at catcher, and Daniel Descalso played shortstop, with Matt Carpenter slotting in at second base. Molina started 48 of the first 50 games behind the plate, and Kozma started 47 at shortstop.

Molina's rest came one day after a season-high four RBI performance in Monday's 6-3 win against the Royals.

"[Molina] won't shut it down all together because he knows anything can happen," Matheny said.

The Cardinals don't have another off-day until June 10.