Molina returns with Cards promising more days off

ST. LOUIS -- A three-day layoff proved sufficient for catcher Yadier Molina, whose right knee improved enough by Tuesday that the Cardinals were willing to put the All-Star catcher back in the lineup against the Astros.

Molina was diagnosed with right knee inflammation Saturday, the same day an MRI exam confirmed that the backstop had no structural damage in his previously structurally-repaired knee. With inflammation the only issue, the Cardinals will continue to guard against recurring discomfort by giving Molina more days off.

Before he sat over the weekend, Molina started 79 of the team's first 85 games.

"I think we just have to be smart," general manager John Mozeliak said. "He wants in the lineup, and that's great, but we have to make sure that we give him some rest from time to time."

That meant lifting him after seven innings Tuesday, when the Cardinals had a comfortable lead before the Astros tacked on four ninth-inning runs to make it a 9-5 game. Molina went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored before Tony Cruz took over behind the plate.

Molina has been arguably the league's most valuable player over the first half, which underscores how important his on-field presence is for the Cardinals. He enters Tuesday leading the National League with a .346 batting average and ranked second with 33 multi-hit games.

With a third catcher Rob Johnson now on the roster, the Cardinals have more flexibility to give Molina days off, while he could still be used as a pinch-hitter, or even at first base.

"It's something we're going to try and stay on top of," manager Mike Matheny said. "There are days when we're going to have to get him some rest, but when he feels good, we're going to use him. I've made it clear that when it gets hot, which it is, we're going to be very careful. There will be more days [off]. That was going to happen regardless of whether his knee started bothering him or not."