Adron

Chambers

The Cardinals had given some consideration to leaving Holliday off the roster since he’s unlikely to play in Game 1 and is no safe bet to make it through the series without aggravating his finger injury. But, it never seemed to be a serious possibility, as, at the very least, he’s a threat off the bench. Furcal’s hamstring is much better and he’s expected to start Saturday. The Cards also decided to carry youngster Adron Chambers on the roster over veteran Corey Patterson.

Although Cardinals skipper Tony La Russa hasn’t announced his official World Series roster, the public is already aware of the organization’s moves because players are letting the media know what they have been told. In short: Westbrook and Skip Schumaker are in and Kyle McClellan and Adron Chambers are out. Westbrook was on the NLDS roster but has not yet appeared in a postseason game. He gives St. Louis a long-relief option out of the bullpen. Westbrook posted a 4.66 ERA over 33 starts this season and is 5-1 with a 4.76 ERA in 10 career starts against Texas.

Chambers batted .259 (7-for-27) with three doubles and an RBI this spring. His demotion means that Rule 5 pick Erik Komatsu is that much closer to making the Opening Day roster.

Holliday said after Game 6 that he thought he’d be able to play with the ailment, but obviously the Cardinals want to play it safe with him. It’s actually probably a blessing in disguise for the Redbirds, as Allen Craig is simply swinging the bat better than Holliday right now. Craig will start in left field against Matt Harrison, while Adron Chambers will replace Holliday on the roster. X-rays on Holliday’s hand came back negative, so he should be fine after a few weeks to recuperate.

The 25-year-old will provide outfield depth for the Cardinals over the regular season’s final four weeks.

Schumaker was placed on the disabled list Friday with a Grade 1 strain of his right hamstring. While there’s optimism that he’ll be able to return when he’s first eligible, the Cards will see how the injury responds in the coming days. Shane Robinson and Adron Chambers figure to get most of the playing time in center field for now, though Carlos Beltran is making the start there Friday night.

It was assumed that Carpenter would be ready, but Jay was a little more uncertain because he has missed more time and had fewer rehab at-bats. But, he’s showed he’s healthy in a two-game stint with Triple-A Memphis, going 3-for-8 with a triple and a home run. He’ll regain his starting job in center field, while Carpenter will see plenty of playing time at first base and in the outfield. Matt Adams and Adron Chambers are expected to be sent down.

Chambers batted .250/.325/.306 with three RBI over 36 at-bats as an occasional starter in center field. With Jon Jay back, he’ll return to being the everyday center fielder at Memphis.

Chambers, who appeared in 18 games with the Cardinals last season, was hitting .308/.377/.391 with one homer, 12 RBI, four stolen bases and a .768 OPS over his first 151 plate appearances at the Triple-A level this year. He’ll provide some depth in the outfield with Carlos Beltran nursing a knee injury and Allen Craig on the disabled list with a hamstring strain.

It’s just a routine day of maintenance for the 35-year-old outfielder, who finished 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts on Tuesday. Adron Chambers will start in right.