Taveras sits out Triple-A game as precaution

NEW YORK -- Cardinals top prospect Oscar Taveras was out of the lineup Tuesday at Triple-A Memphis, but really, the news isn't nearly as bad as it sounds.

First of all, it's Taveras' left ankle, not the right one that required surgery last August and slowed him during Spring Training. Also, the 21-year-old simply twisted the ankle this time while coming out of the box after a base hit late in Monday night's game.

With an 11:05 a.m. CT game Tuesday, the Cardinals decided it was best to give Taveras the day off. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, who is in Memphis, described it as "precautionary," and he said that Taveras is day to day.

Taveras is hitting .299 with an .849 OPS through 18 games with the Redbirds.