Erik

Komatsu

Komatsu, who was selected from the Nationals in December’s Rule 5 draft, is batting .280 (15-for-50) with two doubles, two triples, eight RBI and six stolen bases this spring. He’ll add an element of speed to the Cardinals’ bench. Shane Robinson was also told that he made the team, which means that Allen Craig (knee) will almost certainly begin the season on the disabled list.

Jay was initially considered day-to-day, but he left the clubhouse Thursday with his arm in a sling and admitted that he was dealing with some pain and soreness. Erik Komatsu took his place in Thursday’s game and Carlos Beltran has previously been discussed as an option for center field, but it’s possible the Cards could rush Skip Schumaker (oblique) back from his minor league rehab assignment if Jay’s condition doesn’t improve in the next day or two.

He was cleared to make room for Allen Craig’s return from the disabled list. Komatsu, a Rule 5 pick, made the Cardinals’ Opening Day roster and is 4-for-19 (.211) with two walks, two strikeouts and three runs scored. Assuming nobody picks him up off waivers, the 24-year-old will be offered back to the Nationals.

Jay was diagnosed with a partial separation of his shoulder following an MRI exam on Monday. There’s no structural damage and a shoulder separation is considered far less serious than a dislocation, but it’s unlikely he’ll be available to hit until this weekend. Shane Robinson, Skip Schumaker and Erik Komatsu will continue to share playing time in center field.

No word yet on whether his absence is injury-related. Erik Komatsu will start in his place and bat eighth.

While Willingham won’t start, he could be available to pinch-hit. Erik Komatsu will make the start in left field Monday.

It’s his first day off of the season. Span crashed into the center field wall during Monday night’s game and showed up at the ballpark Tuesday afternoon with some soreness. Erik Komatsu is playing center field and batting leadoff against the Angels on Tuesday night.

Beltran is off to a red-hot start with the bat, but this is a pretty good time to rest him with the off-day scheduled for Thursday. He should be back in there Friday. Rule 5 pick Eric Komatsu will make the start in right and bat eighth.

Komatsu is a Rule 5 pick and will have to stick on the Twins’ roster the rest of the season or be offered back to the Nationals. The 24-year-old batted 4-for-19 (.211) with two walks, two strikeouts and three runs scored in his time with St. Louis. He has some OBP skills, some speed and can play all three outfield positions, so he has a shot to hang around as a bench guy.

There are only so many outfielders worse than Ben Revere available, but damn the Twins if they’re not going to try all of them. Komatsu doesn’t figure to work out any better than Clete Thomas did.