Molina brothers absent due to mother's surgery

ST. LOUIS -- Catcher Yadier Molina and brother Bengie, the Cardinals' assistant hitting coach, were absent from Busch Stadium on Wednesday as their mother, Gladys, was recovering from a surgical procedure she underwent at an area hospital.

Manager Mike Matheny described the situation only as a "family personal matter," but shortly after the Cardinals' 5-1 win over the Brewers, MDR Sports Management, which represents Yadier Molina, tweeted out a thank you message on behalf of the Cardinals' catcher.

It read: "Yadier and his family want to thank everyone for the well wishes, prayers and kind words. His mother, Gladys, underwent a procedure and is in stable condition. Thank you again for your kind words."

It was not immediately known whether either of the brothers would be back in uniform by Thursday. Tony Cruz earned the start in Molina's place on Wednesday and helped guide Lance Lynn to one of his best starts of the second half. It marked the second time Cruz has been in the starting lineup since recovering from a left forearm fracture.